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MATEEIA MEDICA 



THE USE OF STUDENTS 



JOHN B. BIDDLE, M.D., 

PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA AND GENERAL THERAPEUTICS IN THE JEFFERSON MEDICAL 

COLLEGE, MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, FELLOW OF 

THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, ETC., ETC. 



SEVENTH EDITION, 
REVISED AND ENLARGED 

WITH NEW ILLUSTRATIONS. 

|0 









PHILADELPHIA: 
LINDSAY & BLAKISTON, 

1876. 



■*?#, **&" 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, 

BY LINDSAY & BLAKISTON, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at "Washington . 



HENRY B. ASHMEAD, PRINTER. 



PREFACE 



TO THE SEVENTH EDITION. 



Although little more than a year has elapsed since 
the publication of the sixth edition of the Materia 
Medica, the rapid progress of pharmacological science 
has rendered necessary a general revision of the present 
edition. New articles and illustrations have been added, 
much of the work has been recast and even rewritten, 
and it is hoped that it will be found to contain all 
really important recent contributions to the various 
departments of pharmacology. 

The illustrations of the book comprise, as in previous 
editions, representations of most of the important indi- 
genous and naturalized plants, as well as diagrams of 
instruments employed in the atomization of liquids, in 
the new operation of pneumatic aspiration, in the trans- 
fusion of blood, and in the recently-introduced pneu- 
matic method in the treatment of thoracic diseases. 



IV PREFACE. 

The author has aimed in this, as in previous editions, 
to present a succinct account of the articles of the 
Materia Medica in general use in the United States, 
and discussed in the courses of lectures delivered upon 
the subject, to which he trusts the work will be found, 
as heretofore, to furnish a suitable text-book. He 
takes pleasure in renewing his dedication of it to the 
gentlemen in attendance upon the various medical 
schools in North America. 

Philadelphia, 

December, 1875. 



CONTENTS. 



Remedies — Definition of, 
Division of, 



PAGE 

IT 
17 



PART I. 

MECHANICAL REMEDIES. 

General Bloodletting, .......... 17 

Leeches and Cups, 18 

Scarifications, ........... 19 

Setons and Issues, 19 

Bandages, Frictions, Acupuncture, . . . . . . .19 

Pneumatic Aspiration, 20 

The Pneumatic Method, 22 

PART II. 

IMPONDERABLE REMEDIES. 

Light, . 23 

Heat, 23 

Cold, 24 

Electricity, 26 

PART III. 

PHARMACOLOGICAL REMEDIES, OR MEDICINES. 



-Definition of, ...... . 

Modus Operandi of, ..... 

Circumstances which modify the Effects of, 
Forms in which they are used, .... 

Solids, 

Liquids, ....... 

Semi-solids, ....... 

Gases and Vapours, ..... 
Weights and Measures, ..... 
Effects of Age, Sex, Temperament, Idiosyncrasy, Habit 

Disease, &c, upon, ..... 

Parts to which Medicines are applied, 

To the Skin, 



29 
31 
31 
31 
34 
38 
40 
40 

42 
44 
44 



Tl 



CONTENTS. 



Class I.- 



The Hypodermic method, 
To Mucous Membranes, 
Atomization, 
To Serous Membranes, 
To Ulcers, "Wounds, Abscesses, &c. 
Transfusion of Blood, . 
Classification of Medicines, 
-Neurotics, . 



Order I. Narcotics, 

Opium, 

Chloral, . 

Croton-chloral hydrate, 

Lactucarium, . 

Belladonna, 

Stramonium, . 

Hyoscyamus, . 

Tabacum (Tobacco), 

Lobelia, . 

Conium, . 

Aconitum (Aconite), 

Cannabis Americana, 

Cannabis Indica, 

Humulus (Hops), 

Dulcamara (Bittersweet,) 

Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum (Diluted Hydrocyanic 
Acid), 

Potassii Cyanidum (Cyanide of Potassium) 

Oleum Amygdalae Amarae (Oil of Bitter Almond) 

Camphora (Camphor), 

Physostigma (Calabar Bean), 

Cocculus (Cocculus Indicus) 

Woorara, .... 
Order II. Ethereal Anaesthetics, 

^Ether (Ether), 

Chlproformum (Chloroform), 

Rhigolene, 

Bichloride of Methylene, . 

Methylic Ether, 

Compounds of Amyl, 

Tetrachloride of Carbon, 

Tetrabromide of Carbon, 

Nitrous Oxide, . 
Order III. Antispasmodics, 

Asafcetida (Asafetida), 

Galbanum, 



CONTENTS. 



yii 



Spirit of Ether) 



Ammoniacum (Ammoniac), ..... 

Valeriana (Valerian), . . . . . 

Aciduni Valerianicum (Valerianic Acid), 

Ammonii Valerianas (Valerianate of Ammonium), 

Cjpripedium, ..... . 

Scutellaria (Skullcap), ...... 

Dracontium (Skunk-Cabbage), .... 

Thea (Tea), 

Caffea (Coffee), 

Theobroma (Chocolate), 

Erythroxylon Coca (Coca} 

Paullinia (Guarana), 

Mate, .... 

Moschus (Musk), 

Castoreum (Castor), 

Oleum Succini Rectificatum (Rectified Oil of Amber), 

Oleum iEthereum (Ethereal Oil), 

Spiritus iEtheris Compositus (Compound 
Order IV. Tonics, 

Vegetable Tonics, 
Simple Bitters, 

Quassia, 

Simaruba, 

Coptis (Goldthread), 

Gentiana (Gentian), 

Frasera (American Columbo), 

Sabbatia, .... 

Calumba (Columbo), 

Chiretta, .... 

Xanthorriza (Yellow-root), 
Aromatic Bitters, .... 

Serpentaria, .... 

Anthemis (Chamomile), . 

Cotula (Mayweed), 

Matricaria (German Chamomile), 

Eupatorium (Thoroughwort), 

Absinthium (Wormwood), 

Magnolia, .... 

Liriodendron (Tulip-Tree Bark), 

Angustura, 

Cascarilla, 

Canella, . 

Achillea (Yarrow} 
Astringent Bitters, 

Cinchona, 



Vlll 



CONTENTS. 



Quinise Sulphas (Sulphate of Quinia), . 

Quinise Yalerianas (Valerianate of Quinia), 

Cinchonise Sulphas (Sulphate of Cinchonia 

Eucalyptus Globulus, 

Cornus Florida (Dogwood), 

Salix (Willow), 

Prunus Yirginiana (Wild Cherry) -, 

Nectandra, .... 

Geum Rivale (Water Avens), 

Spirasa Tomentosa (Hardhack), 

Prinos Verticillatus (Black Alder) 

Pepsina (Pepsin), 

Pancreatinum (Pancreatin), . 
Mineral Tonics, .... 

Ferri Prseparata (Preparations of Iron), 

Cupri Prseparata (Preparations of Copper), 

Zinci Prasparata (Preparations of Zinc), 

Argenti Pragparata (Preparations of Silver), 

Bismuthi Subnitras (Subnitrate of Bismuth), 

Bismuthi Subcarbonas (Subcarbonate of Bismuth) 

Cadmii Sulphas (Sulphate of Cadmium) 

Cerii Oxalas (Oxalate of Cerium), 

Acida Mineralia (Mineral Acids), 
Order V. Astringents, .... 
Vegetable Astringents, 

Acidum Tannicum (Tannic Acid), 

Acidum Gallicum (Gallic Acid), 

Galla (Nutgall), 

Catechu, ..... 

Kino, 

Krameria (Rhatany), 

Hsematoxylon (Logwood), 

Quercus Alba (White Oak), 

Quercus Tinctoria (Black Oak), 

Geranium, .... 

TJva Ursi, .... 

Chimaphila (Pipsissewa), 

Granati Fructus Cortex (Pomegranate Rind). 

Rosa Gallica (Red Rose), 

Rosa Centifolia (Pale Rose), . 

Diospyros (Persimmon), . 

Tormentilla (Tormentil), 

Rubus (Blackberry), 

Heuchera (Alum-Root), 

Creasotum (Creasote), 



CONTENTS. 



IX 



Acidum Carbolicum (Carbolic Acid), . 


181 


Sulpho-Carbolic Acid, . . . . - . 


183 


Sulpho-Carbolates, ...... 


183 


Acidum Salicylicum (Salicylic Acid), 


184 


Mineral Astringents, ....... 


185 


Plumbi Prseparata (Preparations of Lead). 


185 


Alumen (Alum), 


190 


Aluminii Sulphas (Sulphate of Aluminium), . 


191 


Order VI. Stimulants, 


191 


Diffusible Stimulants, . 


192 


Alcohol, ......... 


192 


Vinum (Wine), 


194 


Spiritus Vini Gallici (Brandy), .... 


195 


Spiritus Frumenti (Whisky), 


195 


Spiritus Juniperi (Gin),, . . . . 


195 


Spiritus Myrciae (Spirit of Myrcia), 


195 


Ammoniae Prseparata (Preparations of Ammonia), 


195 


Arnica, ......... 


197 


Phosphorus, ......... 


198 


Phosphide of Zinc, ........ 


198 


Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum (Diluted Phosphoric 




Acid), ......... 


199 


Aromatics, 


199 


Capsicum, . . . ... 


200 


Piper (Black Pepper), 


200 




201 


Myristica (Nutmeg), 


202 


Macis (Mace), . . . . . 


202 


Caryophyllus (Cloves), 


203 


Pimenta (Pimento), ...... 


204 


Oleum Cajuputi (Cajeput Oil), .... 


204 


Oleum Terebinthinge (Oil of Turpentine), 


204 


Zingiber (Ginger), ....... 


205 


Cardamomum (Cardamom), ..... 


206 


Calamus (Sweet Flag), 


207 


Gaultheria, ........ 


208 


Aurantii Amari Cortex (Bitter Orange Peel), . 


209 


Aurantii Dulcis Cortex (Sweet Orange Peel), . 


209 


Those belonging to Nat. Ord. Lamiacese, 


209 


Those belonging to Nat. Ord. Apiacese, . 


211 


Vanilla, 


211 


Order VII. Sedatives, ........ 


212 


Digitalis, 


212 


Veratrum Viride (American Hellebore), . 


215 


Veratrum Album (White Hellebore), 


218 



X CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Veratria, 219 

Gelsemium (Yellow Jasmine), 219 

Antimonii Pneparata (Preparations of Antimony), . 220 

Potassii Nitras (Nitrate of Potassium), .... 225 

Sodii Nitras (Nitrate of Sodium), 226 

Refrigerants, 227 

Sodii Boras (Borate of Sodium), 227 

Potassii Citras (Citrate of Potassium), .... 227 
Liquor Ammonii Acetatis (Solution of Acetate of Am- 
monium), . 228 

Spiritus JStheris Nitrosi (Spirit of Nitrous Ether), . 229 

Acida Vegetabilia (Vegetable Acids), .... 230 

Order VIII. Spinants, 231 

Nux Vomica, 231 

Strychnia, 232 

Strychnia? Sulphas (Sulphate of Strychnia), . . . 233 

Ignatia, 235 

Toxicodendron (Poison Oak), 235 

Ergota (Ergot), 235 

Gossypii Radicis Cortex (Bark of Cotton Root), . . 239 

Class II. — Eccritics, 240 

Order I. Emetics, 240 

Vegetable Emetics, . . . 241 

Ipecacuanha, ......... 241 

Sanguinaria (Bloodroot), 243 

Euphorbia Corollata (Large Flowering Spurge), . . 245 

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha (Ipecacuanha Spurge), . . 245 

Gillenia, , 245 

Sinapis (Mustard), 246 

Mineral Emetics, 246 

Order II. Cathartics, 246 

Laxatives, 248 

Tamarindus (Tamarind), 248 

Manna, 249 

Cassia Fistula (Purging Cassia), ..... 250 

Oleum Olivse (Olive Oil), 250 

Oleum Amygdalae Expressum (Expressed Oil of Al- 
mond), 250 

Oleum Ricini (Castor Oil), 250 

Sulphur, 252 

Potassii Sulphuretum (Sulphuret of Potassium), . . 253 

Saline Cathartics, 254 

Magnesia, ......... 254 

Magnesii Carbonas (Carbonate of Magnesium), . . 254 

Magnesii Sulphas (Sulphate of Magnesium), . . 255 



CONTENTS. 



XI 



Senna), 



Liquor Magnesii Citratis (Solution of Citrate of Mag- 
nesium), ..... 

Sodii Sulphas (Sulphate of Sodium), 

Mauganesii Sulphas (Sulphate of Manganese), 

Sodii Phosphas (Phosphate of Sodium), 

Potassii Sulphas (Sulphate of Potassium), 

Potassii Bitartras (Bitartrate of Potassium^ 

Potassii Tartras (Tartrate of Potassium), 

Potassii et Sodii Tartras (Tartrate of Potassium and 
Sodium), 
Mild Acrid Cathartics, 

Rheum (Rhubarb), 

Juglans (Butternut), 

Aloe (Aloes), . 

Leptandra, 

Senna, 

Cassia Marilandica (American 

Sambucus (Elder), 
Drastic Cathartics, 

Jalapa (Jalap), 

Podophyllum (May Apple), 

Scammonium (Scammony), 

Helleborus (Black Hellebore), 

Colocynthis (Colocynth), 

Gambogia (Gamboge), 

Elaterium, 

Oleum Tiglii (Croton Oil), 
Mercurial Cathartics, . 
Enemata, 
Order III. Diaphoretics, . 

Jaborandi, 
Alterative Diaphoretics, 

Sarsaparilla, 

Aralia Nudicaulis (False Sarsaparilla), 

Guaiaci Lignum et Resina (Guaiacum Wood and Guaiac), 

Mezereum (Mezereon), . 

Sassafras, ..... 

Stillingia, ..... 

Order IV. Diuretics, . . . 

Potassii Acetas (Acetate of Potassium), 

Sodii Acetas (Acetate of Sodium), . 

Scilla (Squill), .... 

Colchicum, ..... 

Erigeron, ...... 

Apocynum Cannabinum (Indian Hemp), 



Xll CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Taraxacum (Dandelion), ....... 294 

Juniperus (Juniper), ....... 295 

Carota (Carrot Seed), 296 

Scoparius (Broom), ........ 296 

Cantharis (Cantharides), 297 

Hydrastis Canadensis (Yellow Root), .... 297 

Delphinium Consolida (Larkspur), ..... 297 

Petroselinum Sativum (Parsley), 298 

Cochlearia Armoracia (Horse-Radish), .... 298 

Order V. Blennorrheas, 298 

Senega (Seneka), 299 

Cimicifuga, 301 

Allium (Garlic), 302 

Scilla (Squill), 303 

Terebinthina (Turpentine), ...... 303 

Oleum Terebinthinae (Oil of Turpentine), . . . 305 

Pix Liquida (Tar), . 306 

Resina (Resin), 307 

Copaiba, 307 

Cubeba (Cubeb), 309 

Matico, 310 

Pareira (Pareira Brava), .311 

Buchu, 312 

Myrrha (Myrrh), 312 

Benzoinum (Benzoin), 313 

Acidum Benzoicum (Benzoic Acid), .... 314 
Ammonii Benzoas (Benzoate of Ammonium), . . .314 

Styrax (Storax), 315 

Balsamum Peruvianum (Balsam of Peru), . . . 315 

Balsamum Tolutanum (Balsam of Tolu), . . . 316 

Order VI. Emmenagogues, ........ 317 

Sabina (Savine), ........ 318 

Ruta (Rue), 318 

Rubia (Madder), 319 

Class III. — Hematics, 320 

Order I. Haematinics, 320 

Order II. Alteratives, 320 

Hydrargyri Praeparata (Preparations of Mercury), . . 321 

Iodinium (Iodine), 337 

Sulphuris Iodidum (Iodide of Sulphur), .... 339 

Potassii Iodidum (Iodide of Potassium), . . . 340 

Ammonii Iodidum (Iodide of Ammonium) . . . 341 

Sodii Iodidum (Iodide of Sodium), . .... 341 

Iodoformum (Iodoform), . .... 341 

Brominium (Bromine), 342 



CONTENTS. Xlll 

PAGE 

Potassii Bromidum (Bromide of Potassium), . . . 343 

Ammonii Bromidum (Bromide of Ammonium), . . 344 

Bromide of Sodium, 344 

Bromide of Lithium, 344 

Bromide of Magnesium, 344 

Bromoform, ......... 344 

Oleum Morrhuae (Cod-liver Oil), 344 

Arsenici Praeparata (Preparations of Arsenic), . . 347 
Calcii Phosphas Praecipitata (Precipitated Phosphate of 

Calcium), 353 

Calcii Hypophosphis (Hypophosphite of Calcium), . 354 

Potassii Hypophosphis (Hypophosphite of Potassium), . 354 

Sodii Hypophosphis (Hypophosphite of Sodium), . . 354 

Ammonii Chloridum (Chloride of Ammonium), . . 355 

Ammonii Phosphas (Phosphate of Ammonium), . . 356 

Potassii Chloras (Chlorate of Potassium), . . . 356 

Potassii Bichromas (Bichromate of Potassium), . . 358 

Potassii Permanganas (Permanganate of Potassium), . 358 

Aqua Chlorinii (Chlorine Water), . . . . . 359 

Calx Chlorinata (Chlorinated Lime), .... 360 

Liquor Sodse Chlorinatse (Solution of Chlorinated Soda), 360 

Peroxide of Hydrogen, 361 

Order III. Antacids, . 362 

Potassii Praeparata (Preparations of Potassium), . . 364 

Sodii Prseparata (Preparations of Sodium), . . . 366 

Lithii Prseparata (Preparations of Lithium), . . . 369 

Ammonii Prasparata (Preparations of Ammonium), . 370 

Magnesii Praeparata (Preparations of Magnesium), . 370 

Calcii Prasparata (Preparations of Calcium), . . . 370 

Class IV. — Topical Medicines, 373 

Order I. Irritants, 373 

Rubefacients, 373 

Sinapis (Mustard), ........ 374 

Capsicum, 376 

Oleum Terebinthinae (Oil of Turpentine), . . . 376 

Linimentum Ammoniae (Liniment of Ammonia), . . 376 
Pix Burgundica (Burgundy Pitch), . . . .377 

Pix Canadensis (Canada Pitch), 378 

Epispastics, . . . 379 

Cantharis (Cantharides), ...... 380 

Cantharis Vittata (Potato Flies), ..... 384 

Aqua Ammoniae (Water of Ammonia), .... 384 

Suppurants, .......... 385 

Oleum Tiglii (Croton Oil), . . . . . .385 

Unguentum Antimonii (Antimonial Ointment), . . 385 



XIV CONTENTS. 

FAGS 

Escharotics, 385 

Argenti Nitras Fusa (Fused Nitrate of Silver), . . 386 

Potassa, 386 

Potassa cum Calce (Potassa with Lime), . . . 387 

Soda, 387 

Acidum Chromicum (Chromic Acid), .... 388 
Acidum Arseniosum (Arsenious Acid), .... 388 
Zinci Chloridum (Chloride of Zinc), . . . .388 
Liquor Hydrargyri Nitratis (Solution of Nitrate of Mer- 
cury), 389 

Hydrargyri Chloridum Corrosivum (Corrosive Chloride 

of Mercury), 389 

Potassii Bichromas (Bichromate of Potassium), . . 389 

Acida Mineralia (Mineral Acids), ..... 389 

Order II. Demulcents, 390 

Aqua (Water), 391 

Aqua Acidi Carbonic! (Carbonic Acid Water), . .391 

Acacia (Gum Arabic), 392 

Tragacantha (Tragacanth), 394 

Linum (Flaxseed), 395 

Ulmus (Slippery-Elm Bark), 396 

Sassafras Medulla (Sassafras Pith), .... 397 

Althaea (Marshmallow), 397 

Sesamum (Benne), ........ 398 

Cydonium (Quince Seed), 398 

G-lycyrrhiza (Liquorice Root), 398 

Extractum Glycyrrhizse (Liquorice), .... 399 

Cetraria (Iceland Moss), ....... 400 

Chondrus (Irish Moss), ....... 400 

Amylum (Starch), 401 

Maranta (Arrow-root), 402 

Canna, 403 

Tapioca, 404 

Sago, 404 

Hordeum (Barley), 405 

Avense Farina (Oatmeal), 406 

Oryza (Rice), 406 

Zea Mays, 406 

Salep, 406 

Gelatina (Gelatin), 407 

Ichthyocolla (Isinglass), 407 

1 Adeps (Lard), ,407 

Sevum (Suet), 408 

Cetaceum (Spermaceti), 408 

Cera (Wax), 408 



CONTENTS. XV 

PAGE 

Oleum Theobromae (Oil of Theobroma), . . . 408 

Glycerina (Glycerin), 409 

Pyroxylon, ......... 410 

Collodium (Collodion), 410 

Liquor Gutta-Perchse (Solution of Gutta-Percha), . 411 

Fermentum (Yeast), 411 

Saccharum (Sugar), ....... 412 

Mel (Honey), 413 

Saccharum Lactis (Sugar of Milk), ... . . 413 

Carbo Ligni (Charcoal), . . . . . . . 413 

Order III. Colouring Agents, ........ 414 

Crocus (Saffron), ........ 414 

Santalum (Red Saunders), 414 

Coccus (Cochineal), ....... 415 

Order IV. Anthelmintics, 415 

Spigelia, 415 

Chenopodium (Wormseed), . . . . . . 418 

Santonica, . . 419 

Azedarach, .......... 420 

Mucuna (Cowhage), 420 

Filix Mas (Male Fern), 421 

Granati Radicis Cortex (Bark of Pomegranate Root), . 421 

Oleum Terebinthinae (Oil of Turpentine), . . . 422 

Calomel, 422 

Brayera (Koosso), ........ 422 

Rottlera (Kameela), . . . . ' . . . 422 

Pepo (Pumpkin Seed), 423 



MATERIA MEDICA 



The agents employed in the treatment of diseases are de- 
nominated Remedies, and the branch of medicine which is 
devoted to their consideration is termed Materia Medica. 
Remedies may be divided into Hygienic, Mechanical, Impon- 
derable, and Pharmacological agents. 

Hygienic Remedies are usually treated of in works spe- 
cially devoted to the subject. 



PART I. 
MECHANICAL REMEDIES. 

Mechanical Remedies belong chiefly to Surgery. A few 
agents of this class are, however, employed in the practice of 
medicine, and are included in the Materia Medica. They are 
bloodletting (general and local), setons, issues, bandages, friction, 
acupuncture, aspiration, and the pneumatic method. 

1. General Bloodletting is performed principally by 
venesection or %)hlebotomy, which is usually practised on the 
median-cephalic or basilic veins of the arm — sometimes also 
on the external jugular and other veins. Arteriotomy is occa- 
sionally resorted to, on the temporal artery, in cerebral affec- 
tions. 

2 



18 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Bloodletting is employed to moderate vascular excitement, 
reduce inflammatory action, relieve congestion, allay spasm 
and pain, relax the muscular system, promote absorption, and 
arrest hemorrhage ; and for these purposes it has long been 
considered a valuable therapeutical resource. So powerful and 
exhausting an agent is, however, always to be resorted to with 
caution and discrimination; is not to be unduly repeated, even 
in inflammatory cases ; and is seldom or never proper in dis- 
eases of a typhoid tendency, or where a tubercular diathesis is 
suspected, or in extreme infancy and old age. 

2. The Local Abstraction of Blood is practised by 
means of leeches, cups, and scarification. The leech (liirudo) 
is an annulated aquatic worm, with a flattened body, tapering 
towards each end and terminating in circular flattened disks, 
which is found throughout Europe, America, and India. 
The European leech {h. medicinalis, termed also sanguisuga 
officinalis), is of a blackish or grayish-green colour on the 
back, from two to three or four inches in length, and is 
characterized by six longitudinal dorsal ferrruginous stripes, the 
four lateral ones being interrupted or tesselated with black 
spots. The American leech (fi. decora), is usually from two to 
three inches long, and is of a deep green colour, with three 
longitudinal dorsal rows or square spots. Both the imported 
and indigenous leech are employed in this country, but the 
latter makes a smaller incision, and is preferable in infantile 
cases. When the discharge of blood from leech-bites is ex- 
cessive, it may be arrested by pressure, by compresses of lint, 
the application of alum, creasote, solution of subsulphate of 
iron, and other styptics, by cauterizing the wounds with nitrate 
of silver or a red-hot probe; and, if these means fail, the 
wounds may be sewed. 

In the operation of cupping, cupping-glasses and a scarifi- 
cator are employed. The removal of atmospheric pressure, 
by the application of glasses partially exhausted of air, pro- 
duces a determination of blood to the capillaries of a part, and 
it is afterwards readily drawn by scarification. When blood is 



MECHANICAL REMEDIES. 19 

not abstracted, the operation is termed dry cupping, and is a 
valuable revulsive agent. The topical abstraction of blood by 
leeches and cut cups combines the advantages of depletion and 
revulsion. Leeches are employed in external inflammations, 
in situations where cups are inadmissible, and in infantile cases. 
Cups are generally preferable in internal inflammations, from 
their more decided revulsive influence. When blood is drawn 
by leeches, its continued flow may be promoted by the applica- 
tion of warm fomentations to the wounds. 

Scarifications are slight incisions made in inflamed parts, to 
relieve the engorged capillary vessels ; they are often employed 
with benefit in inflammation of the conjunctiva and of the 
tonsils. 

3. Setons (Setacea) and Issues (Fonticuli), are employed 
when a permanent counter-irritant effect is desired. A seton 
is established by passing through the integument a seton-needle, 
armed with a skein of silk, or, a piece of tape or a strip of 
sheet-lead may be used for the purpose. An issue is made with 
a cauterant, usually potassa ; and, after the slough has sepa- 
rated, a discharge is maintained by the introduction of an issue- 
pea, for which purpose a common dried pea is used, or a dried 
unripe Curacoa orange, or a small round ball, made of Floren- 
tine orris-root. 

4. Bandages are employed, in the practice of medicine, to 
promote the absorption of dropsical effusions. For the same 
purpose, strips of adhesive plaster may be applied to the chest, 
in chronic pleurisy and empyema, in the manner in which they 
are employed in the treatment of fractured ribs. 

5. Frictions are useful as revellents, and as local stimu- 
lants. They may be employed either with the dry hand, or 
with horse-hair gloves, or with liniments. 

6. Acupuncture consists in the introduction into the body 
of fine, well-polished, sharp-pointed needles. It is a useful 



20 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

remedy in rheumatism, neuralgia, local paralysis, &c, and is 
sometimes conjoined with electricity, when the operation is 
known as Electro-PUNCTURE. 

7. Pneumatic Aspiration is the employment of an instru- 
ment termed an Aspirator (invented by Dieulafoy), for the 
removal by suction of pathological fluids. 

The Aspirator consists of — 

1. A Glass Bottle or Reservoir, A, mounted with a two-way 

stop-cock, B, and having an opening at the bottom for 
the insertion of the tube, C. 

2. An exhausting syringe, D, with elastic connecting tube, H. 

3. A tubular needle, E, to be attached to the reservoir by 

an India-rubber tube, F. 

A syringe and stop-cock for injecting astringents or other 
fluids is supplied if desired. The stop-cock is in such cases 
fixed to the tube F at its juncture with stop-cock B. Thus, the 
tube can be detached from the aspirator without any chance 
of air entering the morbid cavity. 

Directions for Use. — Adjust the aspirator as figured in the 
diagram with the stop-cock B turned vertically, that is, open 
to the bottle ; close the stop-cock in the tube C, and form a 
vacuum by a few upward and downward movements of the 
piston of the exhausting syringe D. 

Insert one of the needles beyond the two eyes, attach tube 
F to it, turn the stop-cock B towards the needle, namely, 
horizontally, and continue the insertion of the needle until 
fluid is seen to flow through the short glass tube G into the 
reservoir. 

To empty the latter, turn stop-cock B vertically, detach the 
syringe tube, and open the stop-cock in tube C. 

The presence of fluid having been established by the use of 
one of the fine needles, it is recommended for more quickly 
emptying the cavity to use one of the larger needles or trocars. 

The introduction of the needle into the tissues requires some 
precautions. In place of endeavouring to penetrate by pressure 
as with an ordinary trocar, it is preferable to combine pressure 



MECHANICAL REMEDIES. 



21 







no 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



Fig. 2. 



with rotation, by taking the needle in the forefinger and thumb, 
and rolling it between them. Such a manoeuvre is rendered 
necessary by the extreme fineness of the needle, which would 
be liable to bend or twist if driven in by direct pressure. 
Before using a needle it is well to be assured of its permeability. 
Aspiration has been employed with safety and success in 
the removal of intrathoracic effusions (as in chronic pleurisy, 
empyema, and pericarditis), of the fluid of hydrocephalus, 
ascites, cysts and abscesses of the liver, of the urine in reten- 
tion, and of poisonous liquids from 
the stomach. It is also applicable 
to the diagnosis and treatment of 
morbid fluids, and to the arrest of 
internal hemorrhage. 

. 8. The Pneumatic Method is a 
new method of local treatment of 
diseases of the respiratory organs 
and heart. In some pulmonary af- 
fections, as emphysema, the expira- 
tion is imperfect; in phthisis, the 
inspiration is imperfect. To treat 
these different imperfections of res- 
piration, an apparatus is employed, 
by means of which, air in a receiver 
can be condensed or rarified, and 
used in either of these conditions 
for respiration. It consists of two 
spirometer-like cylinders of sheet 
zinc, fitting one into the other, the 
outer one of which is one metre high 
and 30 cm. in diameter. The outer 
cylinder is filled with water up to a 
mark, as in the spirometer; the 
cover of the inner cylinder has two 
openings, one for a manometer, the 
other for a flexible tube, passing to 




IMPONDERABLE REMEDIES. 23 

an orinasal mask. If the inner cylinder, resting upon the 
bottom of the outer cylinder, with the stopcock closed, is raised 
and kept in position by weights, suspended from cords passing 
over pulleys, the air will be rarefied; if the upper and inner 
cylinder be allowed to receive air at the atmospheric pressure, 
and the stop-cock is then closed, the cylinder being now loaded 
with weights and made to descend, the air in it will be con- 
densed. According to simple physical laws, the degree of con- 
densation or rarefaction remains the same until the cylinder 
has been filled or emptied, as the case may be, by the lungs. 

In the early stages of phthisis, inhalations of condensed air 
have proved of much benefit ; expiration into rarefied air will 
be found an efficacious remedy in emphysema, if not of very 
old standing. The pneumatic method is also a powerful method 
of affecting mechanically the action of the heart and the circu- 
lation. 



PART II. 

IMPONDERABLE REMEDIES. 

Under this head are included Light, Heat, Cold, and Elec- 
tricity. 

1. Light (Lux), exercises an important influence in the 
organized world as a vivifying stimulus. It is useful as a 
therapeutic agent, in diseases dependent on imperfect nutrition 
and sanguification ; and the exposure of the surface of the 
body to its action, as far as nudity is compatible with proper 
warmth, promotes the regular development and strength of the 
organs. On the other hand, in many diseases the action of 
light is injurious, and darkness is resorted to as a sedative and 
tranquilizing agent. 

2. Heat (Color), applied to the human system in moderate 
amount, acts, both locally and generally, as a stimulant ; in 



24 MATERIA MEDICA. 

intense degree it destroys vitality and organization. It is 
employed as a local excitant and revulsive, by means of hot 
bottles, hot bricks, the hot foot-bath, &c, and as an applica- 
tion to painful and inflamed parts in the form of elastic bags 
containing hot water, and of poultices and fomentations. As 
a general application, heat is chiefly resorted to in the form 
of the water-bath and vapour-bath. The warm bath, at a 
temperature from 92° to 98° F., is used as a relaxant in dis- 
locations, hernioe, spasm, infantile convulsions, croup, &c, and 
also for its action on the skin in rheumatic and chronic cuta- 
neous affections. The hot bath has a temperature of from 98° 
to 112°, and is a powerful excitant in cases of exhaustion, 
asphyxia, or suffocation, and is employed also in old paralytic 
and rheumatic cases. The hot air-bath, at a temperature of 
from 98° to 130°, is useful as an excitant, diaphoretic, and 
revellent, and is employed in cases of internal congestion, to 
produce vicarious action from the skin, where the secretion 
from other organs, as the kidneys, is suspended, and in rheu- 
matic, neuralgic, and cutaneous affections. The hot vapour- 
bath is adapted to the same class of cases as the hot air-bath, 
and exerts a more marked diaphoretic and relaxing influence. 

The destructive agency of heat is resorted to for the purpose 
of vesication, as by the application to the skin of a metallic 
plate heated to 212° by immersion in boiling water ; and of 
cauterization, by the employment of red-hot iron, or of moxa. 
Hot iron (known as the actual cautery), is used chiefly as a 
styptic. The term moxa is applied to small masses of com- 
bustible matter (as cotton-wool), which are burnt slowly in con- 
tact with the skin, with a view to a revulsive effect in deep- 
seated inflammations, nervous affections, &c. 

3. Cold (Frigus). — The application of cold to living bodies 
produces a reduction of the temperature and volume of the 
parts, with contraction of the bloodvessels and other tissues, and 
suspension of the secretions and exhalations. The application 
of excessive or prolonged cold is followed by the torpor and 
death of the parts. When it is applied in moderation and for 



IMPONDERABLE REMEDIES. 25 

a short period, reaction generally takes place, with a return 
and even increase of temperature, volume, colour, and sen- 
sibility. 

Cold is employed therapeutically, with a view to both its 
primary and secondary effects. The primary action of cold is 
used, 1. To lessen vascular and nervous excitement, and preter- 
natural heat, as by the use of cold lotions and spongings in 
fevers, the ice-cap in cerebral affections, the shower-bath in 
insanity, the bladder filled with ice to the spine in epilepsy, 
the ether spray to the spine in chorea, &c. 2. To constringe 
the tissues, promote the coagulation of the blood, and lessen 
the volume of parts ; hence the local application of ice or cold 
water to abate inflammation, check hemorrhage, cure aneurism, 
and reduce strangulated hernia. 3. To produce local anaesthesia 
in surgical operations, by means of a freezing mixture topically 
applied. 

The secondary effects of cold are obtained by the employ- 
ment of a less intense degree of cold. They are resorted to, 
1. To invigorate the system, as with the cold shower-bath, and 
plunge-bath. 2. To rouse the system, as by cold affusions in 
coma, asphyxia, syncope, and the narcotism from opium, chloro- 
form, hydrocyanic acid, alcohol, &c. 3. In spasmodic diseases, 
as laryngismus stridulus, chorea, &c. 4. To recall the vital 
properties to frost-bitten parts. 5. To effect local excitation, 
as by the application of the cold douche to rheumatic and 
paralyzed limbs. 

The cold bath, or packing in a cold wet sheet, is employed 
with much advantage in sun-stroke, and in fevers, where the 
temperature of the body is very high, as scarlet fever, and, 
generally, to reduce excessive hyperpyrexia. 

The icebag is sometimes applied along the spine in convul- 
sive diseases, as epilepsy, tetanus, and infantile convulsions, 
and even in diseases of the secreting organs. 

Compresses, wrung out of cold water, are efficient local ap- 
plications in relieving pain, as even the severe pain of gout. 

Cold liquids and ice are taken into the stomach as refrige- 
rants in fevers. They are introduced into the rectum and 



26 MATERIA MEDICA. 

vagina, to check hemorrhage and allay irritation ; and cold 
water, injected into the impregnated uterus, is among the most 
certain means of inducing premature delivery. 

4. Electricity (Electricitas). — The electric current acts as 
an excitant to the nerves both of sensation and motion. It 
influences to some extent, also, the secretions, through its ac- 
tion on the nerves distributed to the secreting organs ; it may 
promote the function of absorption, through an effect on the 
absorbents ; and it affects the circulation by inducing contrac- 
tions of the heart. A powerful charge of electricity produces 
violent and frequently fatal effects on the central nervous 
svstem. 

For medicinal purposes, electricity is obtained from three 
sources : 

1. Friction or static electricity. 

2. Galvanic electricity. 

3. Faradic, induced, magnetic, or voltao-magnetic 
electricity. 

Friction electricity may be applied in three modes. 1. By 
the electric, bath, when the patient, placed upon an insulated 
stool and connected with the prime conductor of an electrical 
machine, is charged with electricity. 2. By a spark to a par- 
ticular part. Or 3, a shocJc through a charged Leyden jar 
may be directed through the part which it is desired to affect. 

Galvanism is that form of electricity which is developed by 
chemical decomposition, and is known as the continuous, Voltaic, 
or battery current. It is characterized by relatively low in- 
tensity of action, but is developed in considerable quantity, 
and produces chemical and thermic results, that are not reached 
by the friction electricity. 

Faradization, Faradism, induced or magneto-electric 
electricity, is applied by means of electro-magnetic machines. It 
is inferior in chemical and thermal influence to galvanism, but 
it produces more marked contraction of muscles and a more 
powerful action on the nerves both of sensation and motion. 

Electricity is employed in medicine both for diagnostic and 



IMPONDERABLE REMEDIES. 27 

therapeutic uses. Thus, in the diagnosis of spinal paralysis : 
when a muscle is merely separated from the influence of the 
spinal cord, by destruction of its nerve, or by destructive 
disease of the cord at the origin of its nerve, it loses its electric 
irritability to all forms of electric irritation ; in cerebral pa- 
ralysis, on the other hand, there is no diminution in the con- 
tractility of the paralyzed muscles to the electric current, and 
there may be even an increase. In malingering, real may be 
distinguished from feigned paralysis, as, after railway acci- 
dents, faradization, by showing a marked difference in the con- 
tractility of the two sides, establishes the fact of an actual 
morbid condition. In recent hysterical paralysis, the contrac- 
tility of the muscles is unimpaired. 

Therapeutically, electricity may be employed, either to 
arouse or increase the action of a nerve or muscle, as in pa- 
ralysis of sensation or of motion, or to reduce or even tempo- 
rarily abolish this action, as in pain, neuralgia, and spasm, 
either tonic or clonic. It is chiefly available in cases of local 
or functional paralysis, which are independent of lesion of the 
nervous centres, or in lead palsy, after the elimination of lead 
from the system. In anaemic and hysterical paralysis, as hys- 
terical aphonia, static electricity is often very useful ; and in 
nervous deafness and amaurosis, under many circumstances, 
faradization will produce good results. 

Electricity has been prescribed also as an emmenagogue, to 
produce contraction of the uterus in post-partum hemorrhage, 
to overcome constipation, to promote the biliary secretion, and 
to heal ulcers. In many cases of disordered secretion, as 
chronic coryza and ozoena, galvanic orfaradic electrization will 
be found efficacious. It has also been resorted to with success 
to induce the absorption of tumours and indurations. Electro- 
magnetism is a powerful excitant in the coma resulting from 
narcotic poisons, and in asphyxia generally, and is probably 
the most active remedy that can be exhibited in these cases. 
The galvano-cautery, (a knife or needle connected with a 
battery,) has also been lately employed with success in surgical 
operations. 



'28 MATERIA MEDICA. 

PART III. 
PHARMACOLOGICAL REMEDIES. 

Pharmacological Remedies, or Medicines, are substances, 
not essentially alimentary, which, when applied to the body, so 
alter or modify its vital functions, as to be rendered applicable 
to the treatment of diseases. 

The designation, Materia Medica, or Pharmacology, is, 
strictly speaking, limited to the consideration of medicines. 
The application of medicines to the treatment of diseases is 
termed Therapeutics. Pharmacy is the department of Ma- 
teria Medica which treats of the collection, preparation, pre- 
servation, and dispensation of medicines. 

To the student of medicine, the objects of examination in 
relation to medicines are, — the sources from which they are 
derived ; the mode in which they are prepared and brought to 
market ; their sensible qualities, and also their chemical com- 
position and relations ; their physiological effects, or the effects 
which they are capable of producing in healthy individuals : 
their therapeutical effects, or those which they produce in morbid 
states of the system ; and, lastly, the doses, modes of adminis- 
tration, and preparations (extemporaneous and officinal), under 
which they are administered. 

To facilitate a uniform nomenclature and dispensation of 
medicines, authoritative works have been issued in different 
countries, termed Pharmacopoeias. The Pharmacopoeia of the 
United States was first promulgated by the authority of a con- 
vention held at Washington, in 1820, and it has been since re- 
vised decennially. It furnishes a list of articles which are in 
general use, sets forth the weights and measures which are em- 
ployed in dispensing and preparing them, and supplies formulae 
for such preparations as should be kept in the shops, and which 
are thence termed officinal, from the Latin word officina, a shop. 
It is divided into three portions : a primary list of the materia 
medica, containing articles of assured reputation, a secondary 
list of articles of less importance, and a division of preparations. 



MODUS OPERANDI OF MEDICINES. 29 

The effects of medicines take place either in the parts to 
which they are applied, or in distant parts of the system. 
The former are termed ' local or topical effects ; the latter, 
remote or constitutional effects. 

MODUS OPERANDI OF MEDICINES. 

The medium through which the influence of medicines is ex- 
erted on remote parts of the body, or their modus operandi (as 
it is usually termed), was long a contested point. Until within 
a comparatively recent period, it was maintained that the im- 
pressions of medicines and poisons were transmitted from the 
parts receiving them to distant parts, by means of a communi- 
cation through the nerves. But it is now generally admitted, 
that the absorption or passage of the medicinal or poisonous 
molecules into the blood is necessary to their action on parts 
remote from the seat of impression. 

While, however, it is well established, that the characteristic 
action of medicines is transmitted to the parts influenced, ex- 
clusively through the medium of the circulation, it is undeni- 
able that the functions of the nervous system may be second- 
arily excited by a local medicinal impression. The number of 
agents which operate in this manner is, however, very limited. 

The action of medicines by absorption is proved by a variety 
of facts. 

They are detected in many parts of the system remote from 
that to which they have been applied, having been found in the 
blood, the solids, and the excretions, after being taken into the 
stomach. If the circulation be interrupted, the influence of a 
poison cannot be transmitted ; while its effects have been ob- 
tained, when applied to a wound in the foot of an animal, after 
all parts of the extremity have been severed, except the artery 
and vein. In confirmation of the doctrine of absorption may 
be cited also the admitted facts, that the remote effects of 
medicines or poisons are promoted or retarded by circum- 
stances which promote or retard absorption ; that the blood of 
poisoned animals is found to possess poisonous properties ; that 



30 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the fluids and solids acquire medicinal properties after the use 
of medicines (as the milk of nurses) ; that the specific effects of 
medicines are produced by their injection into the blood ; and 
that medicines disappear from closed cavities into which they 
are introduced. 

After their absorption into the blood, medicines circulate 
with it, penetrate through the capillaries to the various organs, 
and are afterwards thrown out of the system with the excre- 
tions. Some medicines produce changes in the condition of the 
circulating fluid. Others have a specific action upon some one 
or other of the organs of the body. And, in passing out of the 
system, most medicines act as excitants of the organs by which 
they are thrown out. 

The absorption of medicines is effected principally by the 
veins, and in some degree also by the lymphatics and lacteals. 
The medicinal particles penetrate or soak through the inter- 
stices of the tissue with which they are placed in contact, and 
are thence diffused through the circulation. To a limited extent, 
medicinal substances probably penetrate all the tissues of the 
part to which they are applied, and in this way the activity of 
medicines is most decided upon the organs contiguous to the 
seat of application. 

The absorption of insoluble substances cannot take place 
until they are previously rendered soluble. In the stomach, 
this is accomplished partly by the agency of the acids of diges- 
tion, and partly by the albuminoid constituents of the gastric 
fluid. Some substances are dissolved by the alkaline liquids 
of the small intestine. 

It is objected to the theory of the operation of medicines by 
absorption, that certain poisons act with a rapidity incompati- 
ble with their previous introduction into the circulation. This 
is, however, not the fact, as the action of the most violent 
poisons (hydrocyanic acid, for example), is never wholly instan- 
taneous ; and careful experiments have shown that the velocity 
of the circulation is sufficient to diffuse a poison through the 
blood in a shorter space of time than its effects are ever observed 
on the system. 



CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MODIFY THE EFFECTS OF MEDICINES. 31 



CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MODIFY THE EFFECTS OF MEDICINES. 

The circumstances which modify the effects of medicines 
relate both to the medicines and to the human system. 

1. The properties of medicines are modified by the soil in 
which they grow, by climate, cultivation, age, and the season 
of the year at which they are gathered. 

2. Medicines are more active, because more readily absorbed, 
in a state of solution than in a solid state. 

3. Soluble medicines are often rendered inert by a chemical 
reaction which converts them into insolubles ; in this way anti- 
dotes modify the effects of poisons. When the chemical com- 
position of medicines involves their mutual decomposition, they 
are said to be incompatible. 

4. Differences in dose greatly modify the effects of medicines. 

5. Pharmaceutical modifications have an important influence 
on the efficacy of medicines. They may be exhibited in the 
solid, semi-solid, liquid, and aeriform states : 

In the solid state, they are administered in the shape of pow- 
ders, pills, lozenges, confections, and papers. 

In the liquid state, they are administered in the shape of 
mixtures, solutions, medicated waters, infusions, decoctions, 
tinctures, spirits, wines, juices, vinegars, honeys, syrups, and 
glycerites. 

In the semi-solid, or soft state, they are employed internally, 
in the form of suppositories, and externally, in that of lini- 
ments, ointments, cerates, plasters, and cataplasms. 

In the form of gases and vapours, medicines are used for 
purposes of inhalation. 



SOLIDS. 

Powders (Pulveres). The form of powder is usually se- 
lected for the administration of medicines which are not very 
bulky, nor of very disagreeable taste, which have no corrosive 
property, and which do not deliquesce rapidly on exposure. 



o'2 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Deliquescent substances, and such as contain a large proportion 
of fixed or volatile oil, should always be recently pulverized, as 
they deteriorate when kept. Most substances, employed in the 
form of powder, are usually pulverized on a large scale. For 
the purpose of pulverizing drugs in small quantity, the physi- 
cian makes use of a pestle and mortar, of iron, brass, glass, 
Wedgewood-ware, or marble, the finer particles being afterwards 
separated from the coarser, by a sieve. In some cases, a stone 
slab and muller are used. Some powders are obtained by pre- 
cipitation ; and the finer particles of a powder are often sepa- 
rated from the coarser, by a process termed elutriation, in 
which the powder is diffused through water, the heavier por-, 
tions being first allowed to subside, and, the liquid being poured 
off, the finer particles settle separately. 

Salts of difficult pulverization are often granulated, by 
making a hot saturated solution of the salt, and filtering and 
stirring the filtered liquid, until cool. Of late years, granu- 
lated effervescing salts have been used in imitation of the 
waters of mineral springs, the effervescence being produced 
by the addition of bicarbonate of sodium and tartaric or citric 
acid. 

The lighter powders may be administered in water or other 
thin liquid. The heavier powders require a more consistent 
vehicle, as syrup, treacle, or honey. 

Pills (Pilulce), are small globular masses, of a semi-solid 
consistence, and of a size that can be conveniently swallowed. 

The form of pill is suitable for the exhibition of medicines 
which are not bulky, and are of disagreeable taste or smell, 
or insoluble in water. Deliquescent substances should not be 
made into pills, and those which are efflorescent should be pre- 
viously deprived of their water of crystallization. 

Some substances are readily made into pills, with the addi- 
tion of a little water or spirit. Yery soft or liquid substances 
require the addition of some dry inert powder, as bread-crumb, 
or powdered gum Arabic, to reduce them to a proper consist- 
ence. Wax is a good excipient for oils. 



FORMS IN WHICH MEDICINES ARE USED. 83 

Heavy powders are mixed with some soft solid, as confection 
of rose, plasma, manna, &c, or with a tenacious liquid, as 
treacle or syrup. When the pilular mass is properly prepared, 
it is rolled with a spatula into a cylinder of uniform thickness, 
and is then divided into the required number of pills, with the 
spatula, or, more accurately, with a pill-tile, or with a pill- 
machine. The pills are rolled into spherical form between the 
fingers ; and, to prevent adhesion, are dusted with some dry 
powder, as powdered liquorice-root, lycopodium, orris-root, 
starch, or carbonate of magnesium. They should weigh from 
one to four grains, unless metallic, when a weight of from six 
to eight grains is admissible ; a large pill is termed a bolus. 
When long kept, pills may pass unchanged through the 
stomach and bowels, and are therefore objectionable. To con- 
ceal the taste and smell of pills, they are sometimes coated 
with gelatin, collodion, mucilage, sugar, &c. When they are 
designed to be of slow operation, the modern practice of sugar- 
coating pills answers very well. But, when they are intended 
to act quickly, the coating is objectionable, as it retards the 
solution of the pills in the gastric fluids. Pills are now 
sometimes made without excipients, simply by subjecting medi- 
cal substances to pressure in moulds ; in this way, extraneous 
matter is avoided, and a smaller bulk is secured. 



Troches or Lozenges (Trochisci), are small, dry, solid 
masses, made of powders with sugar and mucilage, and in- 
tended to be held in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly. 
Mucilage of tragaeanth is usually employed in preparing 
lozenges. 

Confections (Confectiones), are soft solid preparations, made 
with some saccharine matter. They are subdivided into Con- 
serves and Electuaries : the former consist of combinations of 
recent vegetable substances and refined sugar, beat into a uni- 
form mass ; the latter are extemporaneous mixtures of medi- 
cines, usually dry powders, with syrup, honey, or treacle. 

3 



MATERIA MED1CA. 



PAPERS (Chartce), are preparations designed for external 
application, which are made by spreading mixtures of medici- 
nal substances, as cantharides or mustard, upon paper. 



LIQUIDS. 

Mixtures (Misturoe), are preparations of insoluble sub- 
stances, suspended in water by means of gum Arabic, sugar, 
the yolk of eggs, or other viscid matter. When the suspended 
substance is oleaginous, the mixture is termed an emulsion. 

Solutions (Liquores), are solutions (chiefly aqueous) of 
non-volatile substances, which are wholly soluble in the men- 
struum employed. In making solutions, and all other aqueous 
preparations, the water used should be fresh river, rain, or dis- 
tilled water, and free from saline impurities. 

Medicated Waters (Aquce), are preparations consisting of 
water holding volatile or gaseous substances in solution. 
They are best made by distilling water from plants containing 
volatile oils, and are thence termed distilled waters. In place 
of distillation, trituration with carbonate of magnesium (after- 
wards separated by filtration) is often employed to impregnate 
water with volatile oils ; but the watery distillates have a more 
delicate fragrance and flavour. 

Infusions (Infusa), are partial solutions of vegetable sub- 
stances in water, obtained without the aid of ebullition. They 
are made with both hot and cold w T ater ; the former extracts 
the soluble principle more rapidly and in larger proportion ; 
the latter is preferred, when the active principle would be in- 
jured by heat, or when it is desirable not to take up some 
matter, insoluble at a low temperature. Infusions have been 
usually made by pouring water upon the substances to be in- 
fused, and allowing it to remain upon them for some time in a 
tightly-covered vessel ; when the process takes place at a heat 
of from 60° to 90°, it is termed maceration ; when at a heat of 



FORMS IN WHICH MEDICINES ARE USED. 35 

from 90° to 100°, digestion. Of late years, a more efficient 
mode of extracting the medicinal virtues of plants has been in- 
troduced, termed percolation or displacement. In this operation, 
the medicinal substance is coarsely powdered, and placed in a 
conical or nearly cylindrical instrument called a percolator, in 
the lower part of which is fitted a porous or colander-like par- 
tition or diaphragm. The powder is then saturated with water 
or other menstruum, till it will absorb no more ; and, after 
they have remained for some time in contact, fresh portions of 
the menstruum are added, till the required quantity is employed. 
The fresh liquid, as it is successively added, percolates the 
solid particles of the medicinal substance, driving the previously 
saturated liquid before it ; and in this way completely exhausts 
the substance to be dissolved. An ordinary glass funnel 
answers very well for percolation ; and a circular piece of 
muslin or lint, pressed into the neck by means of a cork with 
notched sides, forms a good diaphragm — care being taken to 
interpose a similar piece of muslin, moistened slightly with the 
menstruum, between the diaphragm and powder. 

Decoctions (Decocta), are partial solutions of vegetable 
substances in water, in which the active principles are obtained 
by ebullition. This is a more rapid and efficient mode of 
extracting the virtues of plants than by infusion. But it is 
objectionable, when the proximate principles are volatile at a 
boiling heat, or undergo decomposition by ebullition. In mak- 
ing decoctions, ebullition should be continued for a few minutes 
only, and the liquid should be allowed to cool slowly in a close 
vessel. As they are apt to spoil, they should be prepared only 
when wanted for use. 

Tinctures (Tincturce), are solutions of medicinal substances 
in alcohol or diluted alcohol. The aromatic spirit of ammonia 
and ethereal spirit are also sometimes employed as solvents ; 
and solutions in these menstrua are called ammoniated tinctures 
and ethereal tinctures. Alcohol or rectified spirit (of a sp. gr. 
0.835, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia), is employed in 
making tinctures of substances nearly or quite insoluble in 



36 MATERIA MEDICA. 

■water, as the resins, iodine, &c. Diluted alcohol or proof spirit 
(consisting of equal measures of officinal alcohol and water) 
is preferred, when the substance is soluble both in alcohol and 
■water, or when some of its ingredients are soluble in the one 
menstruum and some in the other. Tinctures have been 
usually prepared by maceration or digestion, more commonly 
by the former process, and a period of two weeks is recom- 
mended for its duration. It should be conducted in well- 
closed glass vessels, which should be frequently shaken ; and, 
when the maceration is completed, the tincture should be sepa- 
rated from the dregs by filtration. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia 
now recommends percolation in making most tinctures, and, in 
the hands of skilful pharmaceutists, this process is preferable, 
as the most thorough mode of exhausting medicinal substances ; 
but, where the operator cannot trust himself, it is better to recur 
to the old process of maceration. Tinctures should be kept in 
bottles accurately stoppered, to prevent evaporation, which 
might seriously increase their strength. 

The form of tincture is adapted to the exhibition of medi- 
cines which are to be given in small quantity, and it affords a 
convenient mode of graduating doses. In prescribing large 
and continued doses of tinctures, the stimulating effects of the 
alcohol which they contain must be borne in mind. 

Spirits (Spiritus), are alcoholic solutions of volatile or gase- 
ous principles, properly speaking procured by distillation, but 
now usually prepared by dissolving the volatile principles in 
alcohol or diluted alcohol. The spirits of the aromatic vege- 
table oils are used to give a pleasant odour and taste to mix- 
tures, to correct the nauseating and griping effects of cathar- 
tics, and also as carminatives and stomachics. 

Wines (Vina), are solutions of medicinal substances in 
Sherry or other white wine. They are more liable to decom- 
position than tinctures, and are of variable strength ; but they 
are in some cases preferred, from the less stimulating charac- 



FORMS IN WHICH MEDICINES ARE USED. 37 

ter of the menstruum, which has also sometimes an increase of 
solvent power, from the acid which it contains. 

Juices (Sued), are the expressed juices of fresh plants, 
preserved by the addition of one-fifth of their measure of 
alcohol. 

Vinegars (Aceta), are infusions or solutions of medicinal 
substances in distilled vinegar or diluted acetic acid, which is a 
particularly good solvent of many vegetable principles, as the 
organic alkalies. 

Honeys (Mellita), are preparations of medicinal substances 
in honey. In oxymels, a combination of honey and vinegar is 
employed. The latter preparations are not now officinal. 

Syrups (Syrupi), are preparations of medicinal substances 
in concentrated solutions of sugar. The term syrup (syrupus), 
or simple syrup, is applied to a solution of sugar (thirty-six 
troyounces) in water (Oij f§xij), dissolved with the aid of heat. 
Medicated syrups are usually made by incorporating refined 
sugar with vegetable infusions, decoctions, expressed juices, 
fermented liquors, or simple aqueous solutions. They may also 
be prepared by adding a tincture to simple syrup, and after- 
wards evaporating the alcohol; or, by mixing the tincture with 
sugar in coarse powder, and dissolving the impregnated sugar, 
after evaporation, in the necessary proportion of water. 
Syrups are apt to be spoiled by heat, and should be made in 
small quantities at a time. 

By the evaporation of the solutions of vegetable principles, 
a very useful class of preparations termed ^Extracts (Extracta), 
is^obtained. They are prepared from infusions, decoctions, 
tinctures, and vinegars ; and sometimes, in the case of recent 
vegetables, from the expressed juices of plants, usually diluted 
with water. Extracts, prepared by the agency of water, are 
termed watery extracts ; those by means of alcohol, alcoholic 
extracts ; those by means of acetic acid, acetic extracts. The 



MATERIA MEDICA. 

evaporation of extracts is generally continued, till they have a 
pilnlar consistence. "Within a few years, however, these pre- 
parations have been employed in the liquid form, under the 
name of Fluid Extracts {Extracta Fluida), which have the ad- 
vantage of convenience of administration, and of being pre- 
pared at a less degree of heat. They are more liable than the 
solid extracts to spontaneous decomposition; and this difficulty 
is usually counteracted by means of sugar. In making the 
fluid extracts, alcohol and glycerin are the menstrua chiefly 
resorted to. The portion of the solvent, which remains after 
evaporation, contributes in some degree to the preservation of 
the preparation. 

Glycemtes (G-lycerita), are solutions of medicinal sub- 
stances in glycerin, made by rubbing them together in a 
mortar. 

The Oleoresins (Oleoresince), are extracts, obtained by the 
agency of ether, which consist of fixed or volatile oils, holding 
resins and sometimes other active matters in solution. They 
retain a liquid or semi-liquid state, upon the evaporation of the 
menstruum employed in their preparation, and have the pro- 
perty of self-preservation. 

semi-solids. 

Suppositories (Suppositoria), are soft solids, made by 
mixture of a medicinal substance with the oil of theobroma, 
usually in a conical form, of a weight of thirty grains, and 
designed for introduction into the rectum. They are employed 
with a view both to a local effect on the lower bowel, and also 
to the gradual absorption of the medicinal substance. As the 
solvent action of the fluids of the rectum is much less than that 
of those of the stomach, only readily soluble medicines should 
be introduced in this way, for a constitutional effect ; absorp- 
tion, too, takes place less rapidly from the rectum than from 
the stomach. 



FORMS IN WHICH MEDICINES ARE USED. 39 

Liniments {Liniment a) , are oily preparations designed for 
external use, usually thicker than water, but always liquid at 
the temperature of the body. 

Ointments ( Unguenta), are preparations of a consistence 
like that of butter, made with lard or some other fatty sub- 
stance. They are fitted for application to the skin by friction 
or inunction. Most of the ointments become rancid, when long 
kept, and it is therefore best to prepare them only as wanted 
for use. The term, ointment (unguentum), is applied to a mix- 
ture of one part of yellow wax and four parts of lard. 

Cerates (Cerata), are made of oil or lard, mixed with wax, 
spermaceti, or resin, with the addition of various medicinal 
substances. They are of harder consistence than ointments, 
and do not melt when applied to the skin. The term, cerate 
(ceratum), is applied to a mixture of one part of white wax and 
two parts of lard. 

Plasters (JEmplastra), are adhesive at the temperature of 
the body, and must generally be heated to be spread. Some 
substances have sufficient consistence and adhesiveness to be 
made into plasters. Usually, however, medicinal substances 
when employed in this form, are mixed with Lead Plaster or 
Litharge Plaster (Emplastrum Plumhi), a compound of olive 
oil and litharge. Plasters are prepared for use by spreading 
them upon sheepskin, linen, or muslin, with a margin a quarter 
or half inch broad. 

Cataplasms, or Poultices (Cataplasm ata), are soft, moist 
substances, intended for external use. The common emollient 
poultice, employed to relieve iuflammation and promote suppu- 
ration, is made by mixing bread-crumbs with boiling milk, or 
powdered flaxseed with boiling water. A fabric, termed 
spongio-piline, consisting principally of sponge, has lately been 
used as a substitute for the old poultice, and, when saturated 
with hot water, is a good vehicle of heat and moisture. 



40 MATERIA MEDICA. 



GASES AND VAPOURS. 



When employed in this form, medicines are administered by 
inhalation. This may be effected either by diffusing the gas or 
vapour through the air to be respired by the patient ; or by in- 
closing it in a bag or bottle with a suitable tube, through which 
the patient may breathe ; or, when ethereal vapours are em- 
ployed, by saturating a sponge or handkerchief with the ether, 
and applying it to the mouth and nostrils of the patient; or 
the fumes of burning medicinal substances may be inhaled, by 
means of cigarettes or pipes, variously contrived. 



WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

In prescribing and dispensing medicines, the following are 
the weights and measures employed in the United States, with 
their signs annexed. 



TROY OR APOTHECARIES' WEIGHT. 

The pound, ft) 
The ounce 
The drachm ' 
The scruple 



contains 



'Twelve ounces, 3. 
Eight drachms, 5. 
Three scruples, ^. 
Twenty grains, gr. 



The term pound should be avoided in formulae, owing to the 
danger of mistakes from confounding the troy pound with the 
heavier avoirdupois pound, and large weights should be ex- 
pressed in troyounces. The drachm and scruple are also now 
disused by the United States Pharmacopoeia, and are replaced 
by their equivalents in grains. The troyounce contains 480 
grains ; the drachm, 60 grains. 

In France and other parts of the continent of Europe, a 
system of metrical weights is employed, the relation of which 
to those used in the United States, is as follows : 1 gram = 
6.479 centigrammes ; 1 scruple = 1.295 grammes ; 1 drachm 
= 3.887 grammes ; 1 ounce = 3.1103 decagrammes ; 1 pound 
= 3.7324 hectogrammes ; or, 1 centigramme = about \ grain; 



WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 



41 



1 decigramme = about 1J grain; 1 gramme = about 15 grains; 
1 decagramme = about 2 J drachms; 1 hectogramme = about 
3 troy ounces and 5 scruples; 1 kilogramme = about 2 pounds 
and 8 troyounces; 1 myriagramme = about 26 pounds, 9 fro?/- 
ounces, and 4 drachms. The gramme is the weight of a cubic 
centimetre of water at 4° C. 

COMPARATIVE TABLE OF DECIMAL WITH TROY WEIGHTS. 



Names. 


Equivalent in 
Grammes. 


Equivalent in 
Grains. 


Equivalent in Troy 
Weight. 


Milligramme, 


.001 


.0154 


ft) 


I z g r - 


Centigramme, 


.01 


.1543 






Decigramme, 


.1 


1.5434 




1.5 


Gramme, 


1 


15.4340 




15.4 


Decagramme, 


10 


154.3402 




2 34.0 


Hectogramme, 


100 


1543.4023 




3 1 43.0 


Kilogramme, 


1000 


15434.0234 


2 


8 1 14. 


Myriagramme, 


10000 


154340.2344 


26 


9 4 20. 



WINE OR APOTHECARIES 7 MEASURE. 



The gallon, C 
The pint 
The fluidounce 
The fluidrachm 



contains 



f Eight pints, O. 

! Sixteen fluidounces, f§. 

Eight fluidrachms, 13. 

Sixty minims, TT\,. 



The term gallon is not used by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
that measure being always expressed in pints. 

Liquid measures are sometimes prescribed by drops, which, 
however, vary in quantity according to the nature of the 
liquid, the shape and size of the vessel from which it is dropped, 
and even the amount of liquid which the vessel contains. 
(Thus, a fluidrachm of distilled water contains only 45 drops, 
while this measure of alcohol and of most tinctures contains 120 
drops, and of chloroform, 220 drops, or even more.) Approxi- 
mate measurements are also frequently employed in prescribing 
the less powerful liquids : thus a teacup is used for f§iv, or a 
gill ; a wineglass for foij ; a tablespoon for foss ; a teaspoon 
for f5j. 



42 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The French measures, although not adopted by the XL S. 
Pharmacopoeia, are now a good deal used: 1 fluidounce = 31 
cubic centimetres : 1 e. c. or 1 gramme = 15J grains of dis- 
tilled water. 

FRENCH MEASURE OP CAPACITY — APOTHECARIES' MEASURE. 

1 millilitre or cubic centimetre = 16.2318 minims. 

10 millilitres = 1 centilitre = 2.7053 fl. drachms. 

100 millilitres = 10 centilitres = 1 decilitre = 3.3816 fl. ounces. 

1000 millilitres = 100 centilitres = 10 decilitres = 1 litre = 2.1135 pints. 

10.000 millilitres = 1000 centilitres = 100 decilitres = 10 litres = 1 deca- 
litre = 2.6419 gallons. 

100,000 millilitres = 10,000 centilitres = 1000 decilitres = 100 litres = 
10 decalitres = 1 hectolitre = 26.4190 gallons. 

1.000,000 millilitres = 100,000 centilitres = 10,000 decilitres = 1000 litres 
== 100 decalitres = 10 hectolitres = 1 kilolitre = 264.1900 gallons. 

A variety of circumstances, relating to the human organism, 
modify the effect of medicines. 

Age exerts a most important influence in this particular. 
Children are more susceptible than adults ; and in advanced 
age, also, smaller doses are required than in the prime of life. 
No general rule can be laid down for the adaptation of the 
doses of medicine to different ages, as the different suscepti- 
bilities to the influence of different medicines are unequal at the 
same age. Thus, infants are peculiarly alive to impressions 
from opium, while, in the cases of calomel and castor oil, they 
will bear much larger proportional doses. 

Dr. Young's scheme for graduating the doses of medicines 
to different ages answers very well in prescribing : For chil- 
dren under twelve years, the doses of most medicines must be 
diminished in the proportion of the age to the age increased by 
12; thus, at two years to 4, viz. : 2 =%. At 21, the full 

dose may be given. 

A good practical rule for graduating doses is that of Dr. 
Cowling : " The proportional dose for any age under adult life 
is represented by the number of the following birth-day divided 
by twenty-four :" for one year, 2 2 ? = T * 2 ; for three years, ^ 
= I ; for eleven years, Jf= \- 



CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MODIFY THE EFFECTS OF MEDICINES. 43 

Sex, temperament, and idiosyncrasy, all modify the effects of 
medicines. Women require somewhat smaller doses than men ; 
and during menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation, all active 
treatment, which is not imperatively demanded, should be 
avoided. To persons of a sanguine temperament, stimulants 
are to be administered with caution, while, in cases of nervous 
temperament, the same care is to be observed in the employ- 
ment of evacuants. Mercurials are called for where the bilious 
temperament exists, but, on the other hand, they are generally 
injurious where the lymphatic temperament is strongly marked. 
Idiosyncrasy renders many individuals peculiarly susceptible 
or insusceptible to the action of particular medicines, as mer- 
cury, opium, &c. 

In disease, an extraordinary tolerance of the action of many 
medicines is established. In tetanus, immense quantities of 
opium are borne and required ; in typhoid fever, alcohol is 
freely administered without inducing narcotism; in pneumonia, 
tartar emetic may be taken in large doses, without nausea. 

The time of administration modifies the action of medicines. 
Where a rapid effect is desired, they are to be given on an 
empty stomach ; on the other hand, irritant substances, as the 
arsenical or iodic preparations, are best borne when the stomach 
is full ; and the insoluble chalybeates, requiring the gastric fluid 
to dissolve them, should be taken with the food. 

The condition of the stomach is to be considered in pre- 
scribing medicines. In the black vomit of yellow fever, ab- 
sorption cannot take place by the stomach, and in the second 
stage of cholera, endosmosis by the bowels is impossible; here, 
the hypodermic medication is invaluable. 

Habit diminishes the influence cf many medicines, especially 
narcotics. 

The influence of race, climate, occupation, and the imagina- 
tion, upon the effects of medicines is often decided, and deserves 
attention in prescribing. 



44 MATERIA MEDICA. 



TARTS TO WHICH MEDICINES ARE APPLIED. 

Medicines are applied to the skin, to mucous membranes, to 
serous membranes, to wounds, ulcers, cysts, and abscesses, and 
they are injected into the veins. 

1. To the Skin. — Medicines are applied to the skin for both 
a local and a general effect. As their influence on distant 
organs is the result of their absorption, this function is usually 
assisted by friction, or by removal of the cuticle, when medi- 
cines are applied to the skin to affect remote parts of the 
system. 

The application of medicines to the skin by friction is occa- 
sionally resorted to, but its results are slow and uncertain ; 
and, when we wish to affect the system through the agency of 
the skin, the preferable method is to apply the medicine to the 
dermis denuded of the cuticle. 

This is termed the endermic method, and the cuticle is usually 
removed by means of a blister. The medicine is applied to the 
denuded dermis in the form of powder, or, if very irritating, 
it may be incorporated with gelatine, lard, or cerate. This 
method is useful in cases of irritability of the stomach, of ina- 
bility to swallow, or where we desire to influence the system 
rapidly and by every possible avenue, or where it is of impor- 
tance to apply the medicine near the seat of disease. The 
dose is to be two or three times the amount which is adminis- 
tered by the stomach. 

Another method of applying medicines through the skin is 
by injection into the subcutaneous cellular tissue. This method 
is termed the hypodermic method, and is of recent introduction 
into therapeutics. Medicines are injected hypodermically, for 
both a local and a general effect. A constitutional impression 
can be produced by this means more certainly, rapidly, and 
efficiently than by the introduction of medicines into the 
stomach. It is particularly adapted to the speedy relief of 
pain, to the treatment of diseases in which it is desirable to 
influence the system with the greatest possible rapidity and 



PARTS TO WHICH MEDICINES ARE APPLIED. 45 

effect, and also to cases where the internal administration of 
medicines is interfered with. The substances proper for hypo- 
dermic injection are those which are small in bulk and are of 
perfect solubility, such as the vegetable alkaloids. Substances 
of imperfect solubility should not be injected hypodermically, 
dangerous results having followed therefrom, as from the use 
of the salts of quinia. The dose, particularly in first injec- 
tions, should be one half the ordinary dose by the stomach, 
and for females about a third. 

The instrument used for injection is a small syringe armed 
with a small, sharp lancet, and, for the better regulation of the 
dose, it is desirable that the syringe should be graduated. It 
is important to avoid the puncture of a vein, lest a suddenly 
overwhelming effect be produced ; and, with this view, the 
syringe-needle should not be pushed too deeply into the tissues, 
and should be withdrawn a little, to allow a wound of a vein to 
close from elasticity. When a constitutional effect only is aimed 
at, a good spot for injection is at the insertion of the deltoid 
muscle in the arm, and, where repeated operations are prac- 
tised, it is well to vary the point of injection. 

2. To Mucous Membranes. — Medicines are applied to all the 
gastro-pulmonary and genito-urinary mucous surfaces. 

a. To the conjunctiva, they are applied for local effects only, 
and are termed colly via, or eye-washes. 

b. To the nasal or pituitary membrane, they are applied 
usually for local purposes ; sometimes, however, to irritate, and 
excite a discharge, when they are termed errhines ; sometimes, 
also, to produce sneezing, with a view to the expulsion of 
foreign bodies from the nasal cavities, when they are termed 
sternutatories. 

c. To the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat, medi- 
cines are applied almost exclusively for local purposes. When 
in solution, they are termed gargarismata or gargles. Powders 
are introduced by insufflation. 

d. To the Eustachian tubes, washes are applied in local 
affections. 

e. On the aerial or tracheobronchial membrane, medicines 



46 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



produce a very decided influence, both local and general. 
Liquid substances are introduced into the air-passages by 
means of a sponge or syringe, in the treatment of chronic in- 
flammations of the larynx. Various substances are inhaled with 
advantage in phthisis, chronic bronchitis and laryngitis, asthma, 
&c, while the most powerful effects are produced on the sys- 
tem by the absorption of ethereal vapours and gases through 
the pulmonary surface. 

"Within the last few years, liquids have been introduced 
into the air passages, for the treatment of diseases of the res- 

Fisr. 3. 




piratory organs, in the form of a fine spray. This mode of 
application, termed the pulverization, nebulization, or atomiza- 
tion of fluids, has proved very valuable, particularly in the 
relief of throat affections. Various instruments have been 
resorted to in the atomization of liquids. The hand-ball atom- 
izer, which is usually employed, consists of two glass tubes, 
with capillary openings, placed at right angles to each other, 
the vertical tube being dipped in a bottle containing the fluid 
to be atomized, while at the other end it is close to and about 
opposite to the centre of a capillary opening in the horizontal 
tube. This connects with an elastic tube, intercepted by two 
elastic balls, one in the middle, the other, which is furnished 



PARTS TO WHICH MEDICINES ARE APPLIED. 



47 



with valves, at the end of the tube. The upper ball acts 
as a reservoir, into which a current of air is forced from the 
lower ball by pressure with the hand. The air in the vertical 
glass tube being rarefied, the liquid rises to the capillary open- 
ing, and is there pulverized by the current of air from the 
horizontal tube. The atomizer is used also to produce local 
anaesthesia, and as a deodorizer. 

As modified by Winterich, the spray can be readily gene- 
Fig:. 4. 




rated within various parts of the body, as the back of the 
throat, nostrils, meatus of the ear, &c. Instead of air, steam 
has been substituted as the forcing power in the apparatus 
In this instrument, as modified by Da 



known as Siegle's. 




Costa, inhalation can be practised without fatigue or assistance, 
and the warmth of the spray is also an advantage in many 
diseases of the respiratory organs. 

/. The gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, of all parts of 
the body, is most employed for the exhibition of medicines. 
The stomach, from its great vascularity, its solvent secretions, 
and the numerous relations which it has with almost every 
part of the body, is the chief recipient of medicinal agents. 
The rectum is, however, also frequently employed for various 



48 MATERIA MEDICA. 

purposes, as to relieve disease of this or of neighbouring organs, 
to occasion revulsion, to produce alvine evacuations, to destroy 
ascarides, and when, for any reason, it is desirable to spare 
the stomach. 

It is usually recommended, that the dose of medicines, in- 
troduced into the rectum for constitutional effects, should be 
two or three times greater than when taken into the stomach. 
In the case of active, soluble medicines, however, especially 
narcotics, it is most prudent to give the same amount by the 
rectum as by the mouth. 

Solid substances introduced into the rectum are termed sup- 
positories. Liquids introduced into the rectum are termed 
clysters, lavements, injections, and enemata. Soluble substances, 
when thus applied, are usually dissolved in water ; insoluble 
substances are suspended in some mucilaginous vehicle. When 
the enema is to be retained, it should be from one to four flui- 
drachms in quantity. When it is introduced to act upon the 
bowels, its bulk may be from twelve to sixteen fluidounces for 
an adult, six to eight fluidounces for a youth of twelve, three 
to four fluidounces for a child of one to five years, and a fluid- 
ounce for a newly-born infant. Various instruments are used 
for the administration of enemata, as the pipe and bladder, 
the ordinary syringe, the self-injecting apparatus, and the 
elastic bottle and tube. Gaseous matters have also been thrown 
into the rectum — tobacco-smoke, for example, — to relieve ob- 
structions of the bowels. 

g, To the urino-genital and vagino-uterine membranes, appli- 
cations are made exclusively for local purposes. Within a few 
years, intra-uterine medication has been a good deal employed 
in local affections of the uterus, but. in the injection of fluids 
into the uterus, there is danger of peritonitis. 

3. To Serous Membranes. Irritating solutions are injected 
into the cavity of the tunica vaginalis testis, in hydrocele ; into 
the hernial sac, in hernia ; and even into the pleural cavity, in 
pleurisy, for the purpose of producing adhesion of the sides of 
the sacs. 

4. To Ulcers, Wounds, and Abscesses, medicines are applied 



PARTS TO WHICH MEDICINES ARE APPLIED. 



49 



chiefly for their local effects. The absorbing power of these 
surfaces is to be kept in mind in such applications. Cysts are 
sometimes cured by injections, as of iodine into cysts of the 
thyroid gland. 

5. The injection of medicines into the Veins has been occa- 
sionally practised. The operation is, however, objectionable, 
from the clanger of introducing air into the circulation ; and it 
is seldom resorted to, except in the case of transfusion of blood 
after uterine or other hemorrhage, or exhausting disease. 

Transfusion will often be found an efficient remedy, although 
there is always risk of coagulation of the blood in the veins. 
The more direct and immediate the transfusion, the safer the 
operation, as by Aveling's apparatus, which consists of an 
India-rubber bulb, oblong in shape, and of sufficient size to 
contain two fluidrachms ; India-rubber tubes six or seven 

Fig. 6. 




inches in length attached to the extremities of the bulb ; and 
stop-cocks attached to the outer extremities of the tubes. 
Also, two silver tubes : one, bevel-pointed, called the afferent 
tube (seen at A), which is to be inserted into the vein in the 
arm of the patient ; the other round-pointed, called the efferent 
tube (seen at B), which is to be inserted into the vein in the 
arm of the donor, also a pair of fine forceps and a scalpel.* 

* The mode of operation is as follows : 

First, place the apparatus in a basin of tepid water, and, while com- 
pletely under the water, for the purpose of filling it and insuring its 
cleanliness, compress and expand the bulb until the air contained within 
the bulb and rubber tubing is completely expelled. When the air has been 
completely expelled, and while the apparatus is yet remaining beneath the 

4 



50 MATERIA MEDICA. 



THE CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. 

In treating the articles of the Materia Medica, some writers 
have classified them according to their natural properties, others, 

surface of the water, turn the stop-cocks at both extremities of the rubber 
tubing in such a manner as to entirely preclude the possibility of air 
gaining access to its cavity. The patient having been brought to the side 
of the bed and the arm made bare, a fold of skin over a vein at the bend of 
the arm is to be raised, transfixed, and divided. The vein now brought 
into view is to be seized with the fine forceps, slightly raised, and a small 
opening made into it for the reception of the bevel-pointed silver or 
afferent tube. This tube, which has been lying in the basin of tepid water, 
should carefully be kept filled with water when it is removed, by placing 
the thumb or finger over its larger opening. 

The tube, now being filled with water, has its bevel-pointed extremity at 
once inserted into the opening already made in the vein, and is then en- 
trusted to the care of an assistant (A), who carefully compresses the edges 
of the wound around the tube, and at the same time holds his thumb or 
finger over its larger opening to prevent the escape of the water. 

While the operator is performing this part of the operation, an assistant 
should prepare the arm of the blood-donor in the same manner as for 
venesection. An opening is then made into the vein, and the round- 
pointed or efferent tube at once inserted with its point towards the fingers. 
The donor should then be seated in a chair at the bedside of the patient. 
It is better not to secure the tubes in the veins by ligatures. B represents 
the hand of an assistant holding the efferent tube carefully compressed 
within the lips of the wound, in the same manner as with the afferent 
tube at A. 

The India-rubber portion of the apparatus, thoroughly cleansed, air 
perfectly expelled, and completely filled with water, is now to be carefully 
and closely adjusted to the two tubes in the veins. When adjusted, the 
stop-cocks are turned straight, and transfusion is commenced by first 
compressing the India-rubber tube on the efferent side (donor's), and then 
squeezing the bulb which forces two drachms of water into the afferent 
vein. Next, while the bulb is compressed, shift the hand and compress 
the India-rubber tube upon the afferent (patient's) side. Then allow the bulb 
to expand slowly, and blood will be drawn into it from the donor's vein. 
When the tubing and bulbs are filled, bring the hand back, compress the 
tube, follow this by compression of the bulb, and two drachms of blood 
will be thrown into the afferent vein. In this manner, the process can be 
repeated any number of times desired, rapidly or slowly, and the exact 
amount of blood transfused can be known by counting the number of times 
the bulb has been emptied, one being subtracted which accounts for water 
first used. 



THE CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. 



51 



according to their action on the human system. To the student 
of medicine, a classification, based upon the sensible qualities or 
natural affinities of medicines, can be of little value, since it 
associates articles of the most opposite remedial properties. A 
classification of medicines, founded on a similarity of action on 
the animal economy, is more desirable and useful, and various 
arrangements of the Materia Medica have been attempted on 
this basis. They are all, to some extent, necessarily imperfect, 
owing partly to the diversified effects of medicines, and partly 
to our ignorance of the real nature of many of the modifications 
which they produce upon the tissues. Still, the advantages of 
some arrangement of this kind are so numerous, that it cannot 
well be dispensed with. 

The following classification will be found to include the more 
ordinary and generally received divisions of the Materia 
Medica, and to present the articles in convenient groups for 
therapeutic application. 

Medicines may be divided into — 



I. Those which have a special action on the nervous 
system, or Neurotics (from vevpov, a nerve). 



[ Narcotics, 
Anaesthetics, 
Antispasmodics, 
Tonics, 
Astringents, 
Stimulants, 
Sedatives, 

L Spinants. 

' Emetics, 
Cathartics, 
Diaphoretics, 
Diuretics, 
Blennorrheas, 
Emmenagogues. 

f Hasmatinics, 

III. Those which modify the blood, or Haematics (from -J Alteratives, 

aifia, the blood). [ Antacids. 

{ Irritants, 

IV. Those which act topically, J demulcents 

r *" j Colouring Agents 

[_ Anthelmintics. 



II 



Those which have a special action on the secre- 
tions, or Eccritics (from e/ocpuns, secretion). 



D3 MATERIA MEDICA. 

CLASS I.— NEUROTICS. 

ORDER I. — NARCOTICS. 

Narcotics (from rapneo, to stupefy), are medicines which 
impair or destroy nervous action. The primary effect of nar- 
cotics is. however, of a stimulant character, and their thera- 
peutic efficacy is in a great degree due to this action. They 
are often administered, too, for a true narcotic or sedative in- 
fluence on the motor, sensor, and intellectual functions. In 
diseased conditions, a marked tolerance of this class of medi- 
cines is established, and they can be exhibited in large doses 
without inducing narcosis. They are employed, chiefly, to 
remove muscular spasm, relieve pain, allay cerebral or spinal 
irritability, and procure sleep. 

When employed to relieve pain, they are termed anodynes; 
when employed to procure sleep, hypnotics or soporifics. 

When this class of medicines is resorted to for any length 
of time, with a view to a narcotic effect, their influence upon 
the system is much diminished, and constantly increased 
amounts are called for, to maintain the same effect. 

OPIUM. 

Opium (from ottoc, juice), is the concrete juice of the un- 
ripe capsules of Papaver somniferum (Nat. Ord. Papaveracese). 
The opium-poppy is a native of Persia, but is cultivated in 
various parts of Asia, in Europe, and in the United States. 
It is an annual plant, with a round, leafy stem, from two to 
four feet or more in height, and large four-petaled flowers. 
There are two prominent varieties of this species : the black 
poppy, with violet-coloured or red flowers, brown or blackish 
seeds, and globular capsules ; and the white poppy, with white 
flowers and seeds, and ovate capsules ; but these varieties run 
into each other under cultivation. 

The nearly ripe capsules (papaver) are from an inch and 
a half to two inches or more in diameter, and contain a good 



opium. * 53 

deal of opium. They are sometimes given to children in the 
form of syrup, and are applied externally as an anodyne emol- 
lient, in the form of decoction. The seeds are destitute of nar- 
cotic properties, and are used in Europe as an article of diet, 
and for the manufacture of an oil. 

Opium is obtained from incisions in the half-ripe capsules. 
The juice, which exudes from the incisions, is allowed to evapo- 
rate spontaneously, and is scraped off after drying, generally 
with more or less of the epidermis, and is sometimes sent into 
the market unmixed, as a choice variety. The opium of com- 
merce is, however, commonly made by adding the dried juice, 
obtained by incision, to an extract prepared by expression, or 
even from a decoction of the leaves, the whole being kneaded 
together, formed into cakes, and wrapped in fresh poppy-leaves. 

The commerce of the United States is supplied with opium 
almost exclusively from Asiatic Turkey. This is known in the 
market as Smyrna or Turkey opium, and comes in irregularly 
rounded or flattened cakes, covered with the capsules of a 
species of Rumex. 

A large amount of opium is produced in British India, for 
consumption in India and China, but it is not found in our mar- 
kets. The Persian opium is another variety, but it does not 
reach the United States. Much opium was formerly obtained 
from Upper Egypt, in the neighbourhood of Thebes, but its 
production was for a long time abandoned, though within the 
last forty years again introduced. Successful attempts have 
been made with the cultivation of the poppy in England and 
other parts of Europe, which have resulted in the production 
of opium. During the civil war in the United States, a good 
deal of opium was made in the Southern States, from poppies 
of almost every variety ; samples of this opium have yielded 
about the same amount of morphia as that obtained from 
Turkey opium, and even in New England, very good opium 
has lately been produced. The great source of our supply 
of opium has, however, long been, and still is, the Turkish 
dominions. 

The best opium should have a fine chestnut colour, an aro- 



54 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ma tic, strong, peculiar smell, and a dense consistence — becom- 
ing, however, harder and darker by being kept. It should be 
moderately ductile, break with a deeply notched fracture, and, 
when drawn across white paper, should leave an interrupted 
stain. The taste is very bitter and somewhat acrid, and when 
chewed it excites irritation in the mouth and throat. It is 
inflammable, and imparts its virtues to water, alcohol, and 
diluted acids — but not to ether. 

Chemical Constituents. — Opium contains a great variety of 
chemical constituents, the most important of which is the 
alkaloid Morphia. Other principles found in opium are the 
alkaloids, narcotina, eodeia, narceia, paramorphia, papaverina, 
opiania, cryptopia ; meconin, meconic and thebolactic acids, 
porphyroxin, gum, extractive, resin, oil, &c, and, in very 
minute amounts, alkaloids, termed meconidia, laudamia, coda- 
mia, pseudormorphia, apomorphia, lanthopia, rhoeadinia, and 
rhoeagenia. Morphia is the principle upon which the narcotic 
effects of opium essentially depend, and, with its salts, is officinal 
in all the pharmacopoeias. 

Morphia exists in opium chiefly in combination with meconic 
acid. The meconate of morphia is separated from the other 
constituents of the drug, by successive macerations with water. 
Alcohol and water of ammonia are then added to the aqueous 
solution, by which the salt is decomposed, the ammonia precipi- 
tating the morphia, and the alcohol seizing the colouring matter 
as soon as it is separated from the alkali. The crystals of 
morphia, which are formed, are afterwards boiled in alcohol, 
and the solution is filtered through animal charcoal. Good 
samples of opium, when dried, should yield at least ten per 
cent, of morphia. 

Morphia (C 17 H 19 N0 3 ,H 2 0), occurs in colourless, rhombic, 
prismatic crystals, without smell, but of a very bitter taste. It 
is very slightly soluble in water and ether, nearly insoluble in 
chloroform, partially soluble in cold, and more soluble in boil- 
ing alcohol. Acetic ether is the best solvent for it. From the 
insolubility of the alkaloid, the salts of morphia are preferred 
for medicinal use; they are freely soluble in water and diluted 



opium. 55 

alcohol, but are insoluble in ether and chloroform. Tests: 1. 
Concentrated nitric acid strikes with morphia and its salts a rich 
orange-red colour, slowly fading to yellow. 2. Chloride or ter- 
sulphate of iron colours them deep blue. 3. Iodic acid is deoxi- 
dized by morphia, and, if a solution of starch is added with 
heat, dark blue starch-iodide is produced ; this is a very delicate 
test. 4. Sulphomolybdic acid (made by dissolving, with a gentle 
heat, 5 or 6 grains of molybdate of ammonium in. 2 drachms of 
strong sulphuric acid), when rubbed with morphia, produces an 
intense purplish or crimson color, changing to green, and finally 
to sapphire blue. 5. Iodic acid in solution, mixed with sulphide 
of carbon, produces, when added to morphia, a pink or red 
colour, owing to the liberation of the iodine and its solution by 
the sulphide. 6. Alkaline solutions of chlorine give a deep 
red colour with morphia. Other tests are recommended, but 
these are the best. 

Narcotina (C 22 H 23 N0 7 ) exists in opium chiefly in the free 
state, and, being insoluble in water, is left behind when the 
drug is macerated in this menstruum. It occurs in white, 
tasteless, inodorous, needle-like crystals, which are soluble in 
ether, alcohol, and still more so in chloroform. At one time it 
was thought to possess a portion of the narcotic properties of 
opium, but it is now admitted to be inert in this respect. Its 
salts, which are bitter, have been used in India as febrifuge 
tonics, in the treatment of intermittent fever. 

Codeia (C 18 H 21 N0 3 ,H 2 0) exists in opium combined like mor- 
phia with meconic acid, and is extracted in the process for 
obtaining the latter alkaloid, from which it may be sepa- 
rated by an alkaline solution, which dissolves the morphia and 
leaves the codeia. It occurs in colourless octohedral crystals, 
of a bitter taste, soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and chloro- 
form. It has been found to possess narcotic powers, with an 
especial direction to the great sympathetic nerve, and has been 
used in gastrodynia and dyspepsia, in the dose of half a grain 
or more. It is, however, too expensive an article for general 
use. 

Narceia (C 23 H 29 N0 9 ) is obtained from the mother liquid left 



00 MATERIA MEDICA. 

after crystallizing out the salts of morphia. It has been asserted 
that it possesses valuable medicinal properties, but experience 
in the United States has not confirmed the statements made in 
Europe as to its efficacy. 

Para morphia, known also as Thebaia (C 19 H 2l N0 3 ), has been 
lately said to be a tetanizing toxic agent, analogous in its effects 
to strychnia ; two grains, given hypodermically, have killed a 
dog. 

Papaverina (C 20 H 21 NO 4 ) is said to produce some soporific 
action, with a sedative influence on the pulse; its strength is 
from one-eighth to one-fourth of that of morphia. 

Cryptopia (C 21 H 23 N0 5 ) is thought to produce an hypnotic in- 
fluence, analogous to that of morphia, though a much feebler 
agent. 

Apomorphia (C 17 H 17 N0 2 ) a recently-discovered alkaloid, pos- 
sesses marked emetic properties, acting very promptly and 
with much freedom from nausea : Jq of a grain, injected hypo- 
dermically, or \ of a grain, taken by the stomach, will produce 
emesis, and the muriate has been recommended to relieve 
rigidity of the os uteri in labour. This has been found also to 
be a good expectorant, in doses of gr. 0.15, increased. 

Meconic acid is inert, but is interesting as affording the most 
delicate test for opium ; chloride or tersulphate of iron strikes 
with even very diluted solutions of opium a blood-red meconate 
of iron, which is not dissolved by diluted acids or corrosive 
sublimate. 

Incompatible^. — Alkalies, and astringent infusions contain- 
ing tannic acid, are incompatible with opium ; the former pre- 
cipitate morphia from its soluble combination, while the latter 
form with it an insoluble compound. Many of the mineral 
salts are also decomposed by opium, as the acetate of lead, 
(meconate of lead and acetate of morphia being formed when 
these articles are prescribed together). 

Physiological Effects. — Opium exerts a marked therapeutic 
action in the relief of pain, spasm, wakefulness, nervous irrita- 
bility, and certain forms of morbid discharge, especially from 
the alimentary canal, by a primary stimulant action, antece- 



opium. 57 

dent to any narcotic influence. In such conditions, a toler- 
ance of its effects is established, and very large amounts may 
be taken, without inducing narcosis. Its first physiological 
action is shown in a moderate excitation of the circulation, an 
increase in the temperature of the skin, and an agreeable ex- 
hilaration of the intellectual functions. This state, although 
generally termed the stage of excitement, is really one of 
incipient narcosis, and is usually of short duration. The pulse 
soon sinks below the normal standard, susceptibility to exter- 
nal impressions is diminished, the faculties of the mind become 
confused, and consciousness is finally lost in sleep. All the 
secretions are diminished except that of perspiration, which is 
heightened; the mouth and throat become dry, with thirst; 
muscular contraction is lessened ; and in some persons nausea 
and vomiting are produced ; occasionally, an itching and miliary 
eruption of the skin occur. 

When a poisonous dose is taken, the stage of excitement is 
wanting ; giddiness and stupor rapidly come on, with diminution 
in the frequency, though not in the fullness, of the pulse ; and 
these symptoms are soon followed by an irresistible tendency 
to sleep, and finally by coma. The breathing is heavy and 
stertorous, the pulse slow and oppressed, and the pupils are 
contracted. If relief is not afforded, the pulse sinks, the mus- 
cular system becomes relaxed, and death ensues, preceded 
sometimes in children by violent convulsions. 

In cases of poisoning from opium or its preparations, the 
stomach should be immediately evacuated by the stomach pump, 
if possible, or by emetics. Owing to the torpor of the stomach, 
emetics are to be given in double the ordinary doses, and the 
direct emetics are to be preferred, as the sulphate of zinc (20 
to 30 grains), or the sulphate of copper (5 to 10 grains). A 
large tablespoonful of mustard flour, or of powdered alum, 
answers very well as an emetic. Every means should be taken 
to arouse the patient from his lethargy ; he should be kept 
awake, and made to walk as long as possible ; afterwards cold 
affusions, counter-irritation to the nape of the neck and ex- 
tremities, flagellation to the palms of the hands and soles of the 



00 MATERIA MEDICA. 

foot, and, best of all, when the coma is profound, the electro- 
magnetic batten/ should be resorted to. Artificial inflation of 
the lungs is also to be practised. The use of strong coifee has 
proved efficacious ; and stimuli may be given to support the 
system. Of late years, it has been found that belladonna exer- 
cises a powerful influence as a physiological antidote against 
narcotism from opium, and the administration of this substance 
by the stomach, or still better, the hypodermic injection of a 
solution of atropia, is one of the most available remedies that 
can be employed in poisoning from opium. The poisonous 
action of opium appears to be entirely directed to the nervous 
system, no local lesions being found after death. 

Opium is largely used as an habitual narcotic in Oriental 
countries, and to some extent in Europe and the United States. 
The effects of indulgence in this species of intoxication are of 
the most destructive character upon both the physical and 
mental faculties. 

Medicinal Uses. — Of all the articles of the Materia Medica, 
opium enjoys the widest range of therapeutic application. 
From its properties of assuaging pain and inducing sleep, it is 
useful in almost all diseases ; and it is positively contraindicated 
only where there is a tendency to apoplexy or coma, or where 
there exists an idiosyncrasy with respect to its effects. As an 
anodyne in painful and malignant ulcers and severe injuries, 
and in resisting surgical shock, we have no substitute for opium ; 
and, as an hypnotic in mania-a-potu, and in the wakefulness and 
cerebral irritability of fever, mania, &c, it is equally invalu- 
able. From its power of relaxing muscular spasm, it is our 
most efficient resource in tetanus, colic, and spasm of the 
stomach, bowels, biliary ducts, ureters, neck of the bladder, &c. 
In dysentery and cholera it forms the basis of every variety of 
treatment, partly for its diaphoretic effects, but principally for 
its action in arresting both the secretions and peristaltic motion 
of the bowels. For the relief of the cough of pulmonary 
affections, opium has no equal in the Materia Medica. In 
cerebro-spinal meningitis and in puerperal fever, it has been 
found more successful than any other remedy. In gastric irri- 



opium. 59 

tability, to check vomiting, in colica pictonum, peritonitis, rheu- 
matism, gout, neuralgia, typhus, gangrene, convulsive diseases, 
diabetes, diarrhoea, &c, it is also constantly employed. 

Administration. — The ordinary dose of opium as an anodyne 
and hypnotic is one grain. Much larger doses are, however, 
called for in many diseases ; and, when it is administered for a 
length of time, as a narcotic, the dose must be gradually in- 
creased. To infants and very old persons, it is to be given 
with great caution. 

Opium is administered in the form of powder or pills. It is 
easily powdered when thoroughly dried, and the pills, as well 
as all the other preparations of opium, should always be made 
from the powder. The powder is sometimes used endermically, 
and is sprinkled on irritable ulcers. In the form of supposi- 
tories it is also applied to the rectum. 

The following are the officinal preparations of opium : 

Pilule Opii (Pills of Opium). Twenty-four grains of 
opium, made into twenty- four pills, with six grains of soap. 
Each pill contains a grain of opium. They are kept in the 
shops, as hard old opium pills are sometimes preferred in cases 
of irritable stomach. 

Pilula Saponis Composita (Compound Pill of Soap). 
Sixty grains of opium made into a pilular mass, with water and 
half a troy ounce of soap. Useful for the administration of 
small doses. Five grains of the mass contain one grain of 
opium. 

Confectio Opii (Confection of Opium). Opium beaten up 
with honey and spices (opium, 270 grains, aromatic powder, 
6 troyounces, and clarified honey, 14 troyounces). Dose, gr. 
xxx vj. 

Extractum Opii (Extract of Opium). Made by evaporat- 
ing the aqueous solution (opium, 12 troyounces dissolved in 5 
pints of water). Dose, gr. J-. 

Trochisci Glycyrrhiz.e et Opii (Troches of Liquorice and 
Opium). Much used in Philadelphia under the name of Wis- 
tars cough lozenges. Made with extract of opium, 24 grains, 



60 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Liquorice, 2 troyounces, gum Arabic, a troyounce, sugur, 3 troy- 
ounces, and oil of anise, 15 minims. The mass is to be divided 
into 480 troches. Each troche contains one-twentieth of a 
grain of extract of opium. 

Emplastrum Opii {Opium Plaster). Made by mixing extr. 
opium, a troyounce, with 3 fluidounces of water, and evaporat- 
ing to a tiuidounce and a half; and adding this to Burgundy 
pitch, 3 troyounces, and plaster of lead, 12 troyounces, pre- 
viously melted together. 

Suppositoria Opii [Suppositories of Opium), are made by 
incorporating extr. opium, 12 grains, with oil of theobroma, 
348 grains ; each suppository, weighing 30 grains, contains 
1 grain of extr. opium. 

Suppositoria Pltjmbi et Opii (Suppositories of Lead and 
Opium), contain each half a grain of extr. opium, and 3 grains 
of acetate of lead. Useful m diarrhoea and dysentery, and in 
hemorrhoids and other diseases of the rectum. 

Pulvis Ipecacuanha Compositus (Compound Powder of 
Ipecacuanha). This powder, well known under the name of 
Dover s Powder, is made by rubbing up sixty grains of opium 
and ipecacuanha each, with a troyounce of sulphate of potas- 
sium, the salt being employed to promote the minute division 
and thorough intermingling of the opium and ipecacuanha. 
Dover's Powder is a most valuable anodyne diaphoretic, exten- 
sively prescribed in diarrhoea, dysentery, rheumatism, bron- 
chitis, pneumonia, &c. Dose, gr. x, containing gr. j of opium 
and ipecacuanha each. 

Tixctura Opii {Tincture of Opium). Laudanum. Pre- 
pared by macerating two troyounces and a half 'of powdered 
opium for three days in a pint of water, then adding a pint of 
alcohol, and, after three days of further maceration, introdu- 
cing the whole into a percolator, and adding diluted alcohol 
until two pints of tincture are obtained. This is the most 
commonly employed of all the officinal preparations of opium. 
When long kept, particularly if exposed to the air, it becomes 
thick from evaporation of the alcohol, and its strength is much 
increased. Dose, HX x "j\ or 25 drops, equivalent to a grain of 



OPIUM. 61 

opium. There are 120 drops in f5j. Laudanum is much used 
in the form of enema. 

Tinctura Opii Camphor ata (Camphorated Tincture of 
Opium). Paregoric Elixir. Prepared by macerating sixty 
grains of opium in diluted alcohol Oij, with benzoic acid, sixty 
grains, oil of anise, a fluidrachm, clarified honey, two troy- 
ounces, and camphor, forty grains. Dose, f§ss, or a table- 
spoonful, containing rather less than a grain of opium. A 
favorite preparation for children. 5 to 20 drops may be given 
to an infant. 

Tinctura Opii Deodorata (Deodorized Tincture of Opium), 
contains the same proportion of opium as laudanum. In pre- 
paring it, a liquid watery extract of opium is first made, which 
is then washed with ether. The ether is afterwards separated, 
the residue dissolved in water, and mixed with enough alcohol 
to preserve it. Two troyounces and a half of opium are mace- 
rated with half a pint of water and expressed ; the operation is 
twice repeated with the same quantity of water ; the expressed 
liquids are mixed, and the mixture is evaporated to four fluid- 
ounces, and shaken, when cold, with half a pint of ether ; the 
ethereal solution, when it has separated by standing, is poured 
off, and the remaining liquid is evaporated, until all traces of 
the ether have disappeared ; this is mixed with twenty fluid- 
ounces of water and filtered ; water enough is added to make 
the filtered liquid measure a pint and a half ; lastly, half a 
pint of alcohol is added, and the liquids are mixed together. 
The narcotina as well as the odorous and many other injurious 
ingredients of opium are thus got rid of. A new but valuable 
preparation. Dose, the same as that of laudanum. 

Tinctura Opii Acetata (Acetated Tincture of Opium). 
Prepared by macerating two troyounces of opium, in distilled 
vinegar, f Sxij, and alcohol Oss. Dose, TT|x, or 20 drops. 

Acetum Opii ( Vinegar of Opium). Black Drop. Prepared 
by macerating powdered opium, five troyounces, nutmeg, a troy- 
ounce, sugar, eight troyounces, in a pint of diluted acetic acid, 
and afterwards percolating with the same menstruum, till 
two pints are obtained. Black drop has twice the strength of 



62 MATERIA MEDICA. 

laudanum, and is to be given in half the dose of that prepa- 
ration. 

Vinum Opii (Wine of Opium). Sydenham s Laudanum. 
Prepared by macerating two troy ounces of opium in Sherry 
•wine, fifteen troyounces, with cinnamon and cloves, each sixty 
grains; and afterwards adding wine enough to make a pint. 
Dose, ltlyiij, or 16 drops. 

Morphia Sulphas (Sulphate of Morphia), Morphia Ace- 
tas (Acetate of Morphia), Morphia Murias (Muriate of Mor- 
phia), are the officinal salts of morphia, made by saturating the 
alkaloid with sulphuric, acetic, and muriatic acids. The sul- 
phate and muriate occur in the form of snow-white feathery 
crystals, the acetate as a white powder. They have a bitter 
taste ; are all freely soluble in water and alcohol, and produce 
analogous medicinal effects, the sulphate being, however, most 
employed in this country. The salts of morphia possess the 
anodyne, hypnotic, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic properties 
of opium, and are considered less apt to produce headache and 
nausea, 'or other unpleasant effect. They are peculiarly adapted 
to the hypodermic and endermic methods of application. Dose, 
one-sixth to one-fourth of a grain. A Solution of the Sulphate 
of Morphia is officinal, and is much prescribed (Liquor Morphice 
Sulphatis). It contains one grain to f §j of distilled water ; 
dose, f5j-ij- Magendie's solution, used hypodermically, con- 
tains sixteen grains to f Si. 

Troches of Morphia and Ipecacuanha (Trochisci Morphige et 
Ipecacuanhae), are made with sulphate of morphia, 12 grains, 
ipecacuanha, 40 grains, sugar, 10 troyounces, oil of gaultheria, 
5 minims, formed into a mass, with mucilage of tragacanth, 
which is to be divided into 480 troches ; each troche contains 
4 T q of a grain of sulphate of morphia. Suppositories of Morphia 
(Suppositoria Morphice), contain, each, J of a grain of sulphate 
of morphia. 

CHLORAL. 

This interesting compound, although discovered by Liebig in 
1832, has attracted attention as a therapeutic agent, only since 



CHLORAL. 63 

the statements of Liebrich, a physician of Prussia, published 
in May, 1869. It is prepared by passing dried chlorine gas 
through pure anhydrous alcohol, afterwards heating with con- 
centrated sulphuric acid, the crude chloral which is separated 
being rectified over lime ; the reaction, upon which the forma- 
tion of chloral depends, in this process, is complicated, chloral 
and hydrochloric acids being the chief products. Anhydrous 
chloral (C 2 HC1 3 0) is a limpid, oily, colourless liquid, with a 
fatty taste, and a strong caustic smell, producing lachrymation. 
It has a sp. gr. of 1.502, a boiling point of 203° F., and mixes 
in all proportions with water, alcohol, and ether. With water 
it combines to form a hydrate (C 2 HC1 3 0,H 2 0), which crystal- 
lizes in a mass of snow-white needles, soluble in their own weight 
of water ; and, as pure chloral readily undergoes decomposition, 
the more stable hydrate is the form which is employed for 
medicinal use. It is incompatible with the alkalies, which 
decompose it into formic acid and chloroform. 

Chloral combines also with alcohol, forming a compound 
termed Chloral Alcoholate, which resembles the hydrate, but is 
distinguishable by its insolubility in water and its solubility in 
cold chloroform. 

Uffects and Uses. — Chloral, in doses of 20 grains, is a 
most reliable hypnotic, with no influence on the secretion from 
the bowels, and a slight diuretic action. The sleep which it 
induces is usually quiet and refreshing ; and the pulse is not 
affected. Generally, no unpleasant effects follow its employ- 
ment, though occasionally slight headache and even nausea 
supervene. When larger amounts are given, the sleep is 
deeper, and may pass into coma ; the respiration is slower ; 
the pulse is reduced in fullness and frequency ; the temperature 
is lowered ; the muscular system is relaxed ; and both sensi- 
bility and reflex action are diminished. Large amounts may be 
taken without fatal result, as 460 grains have been given 
without unpleasant effects, though 50 grains have proved 
poisonous ; the symptoms of poisoning are diminished fre- 
quency of the respiration and circulation, redness of the con- 
junctiva, contraction of the pupils, lividity of the lips, and 



(54 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tailing of the jaw, "with occasionally eruptions of the skin. 
Death takes place from sudden failure of the heart's action, or 
of the respiration, or of both. The treatment of chloral- 
poisoning is the same as that pursued in opium-poisoning; arti- 
ficial respiration is always to be resorted to. It is asserted 
that chloral is decomposed in the blood with the liberation of 
chloroform, but this is scarcely probable, and its effects are 
certainly not identical with those of chloroform. 

Chloral is a most valuable hypnotic remedy in all the forms 
of insomnia, in hysterical excitement, in acute mania, and in 
delirium tremens. As an antispasmodic, larger dc^ses are re- 
quired, but it has been used with advantage in infantile con- 
vulsions, and even in puerperal and unemic convulsions, both by 
the mouth and hypodermically, and it is especially recommended 
in the relief of rigid os during labour. In whooping cough, 
chorea, tetanus, &c, it has also been employed with advantage, 
and as an antidote for strychnia. As an anodyne, it is avail- 
able, but only in narcotic amounts. The dose of chloral is 20 
grains, which may be safely repeated every hour or two, till 
three doses have been taken, or sleep occurs. An equal weight 
of chloral hydrate added to powdered camphor makes a valu- 
able local anaesthetic liquid. 

Chloral is administered only in aqueous solution, and the 
addition of mucilage or syrup, particularly of the syrup of 
orange-peel, will disguise its unpleasant taste. It is not well 
adapted to the hypodermic method, as painful phlegmons 
sometimes follow its repeated use. Locally, in dilution (gr. x 
to f'5i of water), or as an ointment (5ss to Si) it is a good 
stimulant and deodorizing application to foul and foetid indolent 
ulcers ; as an injection in gonorrhoea (gr. xx to foi of water), 
it answers well; and, injected into subjects for the dissecting 
room, and in the preservation of anatomical preparations, it 
has been also found useful. 

By treating 1 part of chloral-hydrate with 3 parts of concen- 
trated sulphuric acid, and washing the insoluble substance 
produced as long as the washings give an acid reaction, an 
insoluble chloral, termed metachloral, is obtained, which has 



LACTUCARIUM. 65 

the same formula as anhydrous chloral. This is less caustic 
than chloral hydrate, and, as it does not attract moisture, it is 
well adapted to local application. 

Croton-Chloral Hydrate (C 4 H 3 C1 3 0,H 2 0) recently intro- 
duced, is made by the action of chlorine upon aldehyde, and, 
when pure, occurs in beautiful, white silvery crystals, with a 
sweetish melon flavour, only slightly soluble in water. It is 
highly recommended as an anodyne in neuralgia, and also in 
chronic cough, in doses of from one to ten grains, dissolved in 
glycerin and syrup. 

LACTUCARIUM. 

Lactucarium (sometimes called lettuce-opium), is the con- 
crete juice of Lactuca Sativa, the garden lettuce (Nat. Ord. 
Cichoraceas), and is obtained from incisions in the plant, in the 
stem, during the period of inflorescence. Another and inferior 
mode of procuring it is by expression and evaporation of the 
expressed juice. Two varieties are found in the market : Eng- 
lish lactucarium, which occurs in small, irregular lumps, of a 
reddish-brown colour externally, an opiate smell, and a bitter, 
unpleasant taste, and German lactucarium (which is inferior), 
in four-sided pieces, from an inch to an inch and a half thick, 
with one side convex and the three other sides flat, the convex 
surface darkish-brown, and the flat surfaces light yellowish- 
brown. An active principle termed lactucin is said to have 
been isolated. Lactucarium, prepared from the juice of the 
Lactuca elongata, American or wild lettuce, has been found to 
possess effects similar to those of the officinal article. 

Effects and Uses. — Lactucarium possesses the anodyne and 
hypnotic qualities of opium with a slight sedative action on the 
circulation, but it is an uncertain preparation. It may be given 
where opium disagrees, from idiosyncrasy in the patient. 
Dose, gr. x. The syrup is the most eligible form of adminis- 
tration. It is made by rubbing a troyounce of lactucarium 
with sufficient diluted alcohol to bring it to a syrupy consist- 
ence, then percolating with diluted alcohol till half a pint of 

5 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



tincture has passed, afterwards evaporating to two fluidounces, 
and finally mixing the tincture with fourteen fluidounces of 
syrup. Dose, two or three fluidrachms. 



BELLADONNA. 

Belladonna? Folia, Belladonna Leaves ; Belladonnse Badix, Belladonna Root, 

Atropa Belladonna, or Deadly Nightshade (Wat. Ord. So- 
lanacese), is a European perennial plant, with herbaceous, 
branched, downy stems, about three or four feet high, large 
ovate leaves, of a dull-green colour, and drooping, bell-shaped, 
purple flowers. The whole plant possesses narcotic properties, 
but the leaves and root only are officinal. When fresh, the 
leaves have an unpleasant smell, and a sweetish, subacrid, 
slightly nauseous taste. When dried, they retain this taste, but 
have scarcely any odour. The root should be obtained from 
plants more than two years old ; the dried root is long, round, 
from one to several inches in thickness, branched, of a red- 
dish brown colour, of little odour, and a feeble sweetish taste. 

The narcotic properties of belladonna depend on the pres- 
ence of an alkaloid termed atropia, which is found in all parts 
of the plant. It is officinal, and is prepared from the root, by 
exhaustion with alcohol, afterwards adding sulphuric acid, pre- 
cipitating with potassa, dissolving the atropia in chloroform, 
and then evaporating the chloroform. Atropia (C 17 H 23 N0 3 ) oc- 
curs in the form of yellowish-white, silky, prismatic crystals, 
without smell, but of a bitter, acrid taste, soluble in alcohol, 
more so in ether, still more so in chloroform, but only partially 
soluble in water. Perchloride of gold gives with atropia solu- 
tion a yellow precipitate, and cyanogen gas passed through 
its alcoholic solution strikes a deep red colour ; the best test is 
bromine, in hydrobromic acid, which produces a yellow amor- 
phous precipitate, soon becoming crystalline ; the physiological 
test should also be applied, by dilating the pupil of a rabbit or 
cat by local application to the eye. It is a most energetic 
poison, producing analogous effects to those of belladonna, but 



BELLADONNA. 67 

much more powerful. Latterly, atropia has been a good deal 
employed medicinally as a substitute for belladonna, on account 
of its greater certainty. The dose to begin with for internal 
use is about one-thirtieth of a grain in solution, one-sixtieth of 
a grain for hypodermic injection. As a collyrium to dilate the 
pupil, a solution of a grain in four fluidrachms of water, with 
a few drops of acetic acid, may be employed, and a drop of the 
solution applied to the eye. A tincture (atropia gr. j, diluted 
alcohol fSss) is used for the same purpose — dose, for internal 
use, 8 drops. The sulphate of atropia is also officinal ; it is 
made by adding a mixture of sulphuric acid and alcohol to an 
ethereal solution of atropia, and is deposited in the form of a 
white, slightly crystalline powder, very soluble in water and 
alcohol, but insoluble in ether — dose the same as that of atropia. 
Physiological Effects of Belladonna. — In small doses, the 
effects of belladonna are those of an anodyne stimulant, with 
little or no action on the circulation, or any of the secre- 
tions, except a peculiar dryness of the mouth and throat. In 
larger doses it causes dilatation of the pupils, loss of vision, gid- 
diness, constriction of the throat, difficulty of deglutition and 
articulation, increased heart-action, quickened respiration, ele- 
vation of temperature, marked diuresis, nausea, with occasional 
vomiting and purging, and sometimes a red eruption. When 
excessive doses are taken, the temperature of the body falls, 
the muscular system is relaxed, sensation is impaired, the pulse 
fails, and maniacal, delirium sets in, followed by coma, syncope, 
and death, often preceded by convulsions. Belladonna is elim- 
inated chiefly by the urine. Dissections show that the action 
of the poison is not confined to the cerebro-spinal system, but 
that it is attended by inflammation of the digestive organs. 
Cases of poisoning from belladonna are to be treated by evacu- 
ation of the stomach, cathartics, and, if coma occurs, by the 
electro-magnetic battery. Opium may be given as a physio- 
logical antidote, or hypodermic injections of solutions of the 
salts of morphia may be administered. As atropia and its salts 
are decomposed and rendered inert by prolonged contact with 
caustic alkalies, the solutions of potassa and soda are recom- 



MATERIA MEDICA. 

mended as antidotes for belladonna, and are to be considered 
also as medicinally incompatible with it ; lime-solution is said 
to have the same action* Applied to the eyebrow, belladonna 
causes dilatation of the pupil; and accompanying its mydriatic 
action are paralysis of accommodation and a diminished intra- 
ocular pressure. 

Medicinal Uses. — Belladonna is one of our most highly es- 
teemed anodyne and antispasmodic remedies. It is destitute 
of hypnotic effect, and, on the contrary, has a tendency to 
occasion wakefulness. In the treatment of neuralgia, it ranks 
at the head of the narcotics, and is extensively employed both 
alone and in combination with the sulphate of quinia. It 
should be given until dryness of the throat, dilatation of the 
pupil, and some disorder of vision are produced. Its powers 
of allaying spasm have been found very efficacious in the treat- 
ment of whooping-cough and asthma. In lead colic, spasmodic 
constriction of the bowels generally, dysmenorrhoea, laryngis- 
mus stridulus, chorea, and tetanus, belladonna ranks among 
the best antispasmodic remedies. In spasmodic stricture of 
the urethra, the local application of belladonna ointment to the 
urethra by a bougie, is very efficacious. As a discutient of 
cancerous indurations, belladonna has enjoyed some reputa- 
tion, but any good effects, in these cases, have probably been 
owing to an anodyne and not a resolvent influence. In mania, 
and many diseases of the cerebro-spinal system, especially epi- 
lepsy, it has been occasionally employed with advantage. Its 
action on the kidneys renders it useful in chronic Bright's 
disease; and, by its influence in relieving irritability of the 
bladder, it is probably the best remedy for the nocturnal in- 
continence of urine of children. In constipation, iritis, and as 
a prophylactic against scarlatina, it is also resorted to. As a 
preventive of scarlatina, it was originally proposed from its 
power of affecting the throat and skin, and respectable autho- 
rity is not wanting in confirmation of its efficacy in this par- 
ticular. It is used, too, in cases of poisoning by opium 
Lately, hypodermic injections of ^ to fa of a grain of atropia 
have been found useful in checking colliquative night-sweats. 



STRAMONIUM. 69 

As a topical remedy, belladonna is employed as an anodyne, 
and also to relieve rigidity of the os uteri in labour. The local 
use of atropia in diseases of the eye is of the greatest import- 
ance ; solutions of the alkaloid or its sulphate may be dropped 
into the conjunctival sac, to relieve pain and photophobia, to 
determine the refraction of the eye from its influence on accom- 
modation, in the diagnosis of suspected cataract, in operations 
for cataract, in iritis, prolapsus iridis, and ulcers of the cornea 
generally. Gelatine wafers, containing J n to t 1q of a grain 
of atropia are sometimes used to dilate the pupil for ophthalmo- 
scopic purposes. 

Administration. — The dose of the powder of the root or 
leaves is gr. j, to be repeated and increased till dryness of the 
throat, dilatation of the pupil, and dimness of vision are pro- 
duced. It is most frequently exhibited in the form of extract 
(or inspissated juice) of the fresh leaves. Dose, \ to J a grain, 
to be repeated and increased. The tincture (four troyounces of 
the leaves to diluted alcohol Oij — dose, 15 to 30 drops) and the 
alcoholic extract are also officinal. The fluid extract of bella- 
donna root contains a troyounce of root in a fluidounce of extract 
— dose, 2 to 5 drops. Suppositories of belladonna (made with 
alcoholic extract of belladonna, 1 part, and oil of theobroma 59 
parts), contain each half a grain of extract. For external use, 
a plaster (Emplastrum Belladonna?), made by adding melted 
resin plaster to an alcoholic extract of belladonna root, and an 
ointment (TJnguentum Belladonnas), made by rubbing sixty 
grains of the extract first with water, half a fluidrachm, and 
then with lard, a troyounce, are employed. 



STRAMONIUM. 

Stramonii Folia, Stramonium Leaves ; Stramonii Semen, Stramonium Seed. 

Datura Stramonium or Thorn-Apple, sometimes called 
Jamestown weed (Nat. Ord. Solanacese), is an annual indige- 
nous plant, which grows very abundantly in waste grounds in all 
parts of the world. It has a forked, branching stem, from 



TO 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



three to six feet high, ovate, toothed leaves, large funnel-shaped 
white or purplish flowers, which appear in midsummer, and 
u are capsules, filled with numerous kidney-shaped, brownish- 



Fig. 7. 




black seeds. The odour of the plant is strong and disagreeable, 
and its taste bitter and nauseous. It loses these properties 
very much when dried, but the process does not appear to 
weaken its narcotic qualities. The leaves and seeds are 
officinal, but the seeds are most powerful from containing most 
daturia. 

The active principle of Stramonium is an alkaloid termed 
daturia, which possesses properties analogous to those of 
atropia. 

The physiological effects of stramonium are closely allied to 
those of belladonna, with a more marked action on the secre- 
tions. From its common occurrence in every part of the 
country, cases of poisoning from this weed are very frequent, 
particularly with children, who are fond of swallowing the 
seeds. The treatment laid down for the relief of poisoning 
from belladonna is applicable to these cases. 

The medicinal uses of stramonium are similar to those of 
elladonna. It is prescribed internally in neuralgia, whooping- 



HYOSCYAMUS. 71 

cough, mania, and epilepsy ; and in spasmodic asthma, ciga- 
rettes of the leaves are smoked with great relief. The practice 
is, however, dangerous in aged or apoplectic persons. Topi- 
cally, stramonium is used by oculists to dilate the pupils and 
diminish the sensibility of the retina to light \ and it is an 
excellent anodyne application, in the form of cataplasm and 
ointment, to inflammatory tumours, irritable ulcers, bed-sores, 
and hemorrhoids. 

Administration. — The dose of the powdered leaves is gr. ij ; 
of the seeds, a grain, to be repeated and gradually increased 
till narcotic effects are produced. Dose of the extract of the 
leaves, gr. j, to commence with ; of the extract of the seed, gr. J. 
The tincture (four troyounces of the seeds to diluted alcohol 
Oij, dose 20 to 40 drops), and the ointment made by mixing the 
extract of the leaves with lard (according to the formula for 
ointment of belladonna), are also officinal. 



HYOSCYAMUS. 

Hyoscyami Folia, Hyoscyanius Leaves, Hyoscyami Semen, Hyoscyamus 

Seed. 

Hyoscyamus niger, or Henbane {Nat. Ord, Solanacese), is a 
native of Europe, and is naturalized in the northern parts of 
the United States. It grows to the height of about two feet, 
with large, sinuated, pale-green leaves, and flowers of a straw- 
yellow colour. The whole plant has narcotic properties ; -but 
the leaves and seeds only are officinal. Henbane should be 
gathered when in flower ; and, when fresh, has a strong, offen- 
sive, narcotic odour, and a mucilaginous, unpleasant, slightly 
acrid taste ; but it loses most of these qualities in drying. 
The seeds are of a yellowish-gray colour, with something of the 
odour of the plant, and have an oleaginous, bitter taste. The 
active properties of the plant depend upon a peculiar alkaloid 
principle, termed hyoscyamia (C 18 H 28 N 2 3 ), nearly identical in 
its action with atropia, but more soluble in water. 

Effects and Uses. — The effects of henbane on the system 



,_ MATERIA MEDICA. 

much resemble those of belladonna. They differ from those of 
opium in their comparatively feeble hypnotic effect, and in their 
relaxing influence on the bowels. In large doses it causes 

Fig. 8. 



dilatation of the pupil, delirium, loss of vision, &c. In cases of 
poisoning, the same treatment is to be pursued as for bella- 
donna and stramonium. Henbane may be used remedially, in 
the same diseases as belladonna and stramonium, than which it 
is, however, less active. It has been administered also, from 
the earliest days, to palliate cough, where opium is objection- 
able, from its constipating or nauseating influence. Exter- 
nally, it is employed in the form of cataplasm or fomentation 
to painful swellings and ulcers ; and it may be used to dilate 
the pupil, in the same manner as belladonna. 

Dose of the powdered leaves, gr. v to gr. x ; of the seeds, 
somewhat less. The extract (an inspissated juice of the leaves) 



TOBACCO. 73 

is the preferable form of administration ; it is of a dark olive 
colour, and extremely variable quality. Dose, gr. v to gr. x. 
Tincture (four troyounces to diluted alcohol Oij), dose f5j. 
An alcoholic extract, and a fluid extract (dose 10-20 drops), 
are also officinal. 

TABACUM — TOBACCO. 

Nicotiana Tabacum, or Virginia Tobacco (Mat Ord. Sola- 
nacese), is a native of the warm countries of America, but is 
now extensively cultivated in most parts of the world. It is 
an annual plant, growing to the height of from three to six 
feet, with large, oblong, pointed, hairy, pale-green leaves, and 
light-greenish, funnel-shaped flowers, expanding above into 
rose-coloured segments. The dried leaves are the portion 
used. They have a yellowish-brown colour, a strong, peculiar, 
narcotic odour, and a bitter, nauseous taste. The darker- 
coloured leaves are the strongest. 

The virtues of tobacco are imparted to alcohol and water, 
and depend on the presence of an alkaloid called nicotia 
(C 10 H 14 N 2 ), which is found in all parts of the plant. It is a 
colourless, oily, volatilizable, alkaline liquid, highly soluble in 
water, alcohol, ether, chloroform, the fixed oils, and oil of tur- 
pentine, of a feeble odour, when cold, but irritant, when 
heated, of an acrid, burning taste, and is a most energetic 
poison. From the dried leaves are also obtained a concrete 
volatile oil, termed nicotianin, which is probably the odorous 
principle of the plant, and an empyreumatic oil, which gives 
the peculiar smell to old tobacco pipes. Both of these princi- 
ples are poisonous ; the oil (oleum tabaci), is officinal. 

Physiological Effects. — On persons unaccustomed to its use, 
tobacco, in small doses, produces a slight sedative action, with 
nausea, swimming of the head, increased flow from the kidneys, 
and sometimes, also, from the bowels. In larger doses, it in- 
duces vomiting and purging, a sensation of sinking at the pit 
of the stomach, giddiness, disorder of vision, the pupils, how- 
ever, being little affected, depression of the circulation, great 
relaxation of the muscular system, coldness of the surface, and 



»4 MATERIA MEDICA. 

other symptoms of prostration ; and, when excessive doses 
have been taken, these symptoms become more violent, and 
are followed bj convulsions, paralysis, coma, and death. Cases 
of poisoning are to be treated on the principles applicable to 
other cases of narcotic poisoning ; the diffusible stimuli are to 
be freely given. 

The habitual use of tobacco as an exhilarant is well known. 
When taken to excess, it frequently develops disorders of the 
stomach, heart, and nervous system. 

Medicinal Uses. — Tobacco is employed in medicine, chiefly 
with a view to its action on the muscular system — its anodyne 
and hypnotic properties being relatively feeble. In various 
spasmodic diseases, particularly in colic, ileus, strangulated 
hernia, constipation from spasmodic constriction, tetanus, spasm 
of the neck of the bladder and the glottis, and asthma, it is a 
remedy of great value. It has been also successfully applied 
to the treatment of poisoning by strychnia. Internally, tobacco 
is to be employed with caution, as it occasionally acts with 
dangerous energy. Stupes of an infusion of tobacco (half an 
ounce to a pint of water), have been found an efficacious appli- 
cation to wounds, in cases of traumatic tetanus. 

Administration. — Tobacco is not given by the stomach, 
owing to its emetic properties. It is usually administered by 
the rectum, in the form of infusion (5j — Oj of boiling water, 
one-third to be given at a dose), or tobacco-smoke may be intro- 
duced into the rectum. It may also be smoked for medicinal 
effect, or applied locally in the form of cataplasm. Ointment 
of Tobacco ( Unguentum Tabaci), is made by mixing a watery 
extract prepared from half a troyounce of finely powdered 
tobacco, with eight troyounces of lard ; it is a useful application 
to indolent ulcers and some cutaneous affections, particularly 
tinea capitis, but the external application of tobacco to abraded 
surfaces of considerable extent has occasioned dangerous con- 
sequences. The Wine of Tobacco ( Vinum Tabaci) is made by 
macerating a troyounce of tobacco in a pint of Sherry wine for 
seven days ; it is occasionally used as a diuretic — dose 20-30 
drops. The Oil is sometimes mixed with ointments. 



LOBELIA. 



75 



LOBELIA 



Lobelia inflata, or Indian tobacco (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae), is 
a very common annual or biennial indigenous plant, growing 
to the height of from six inches to two feet, with a fibrous root, 
an erect, hairy stem, ovate, serrated leaves, pale-blue flowers, 

Fig. 9. 




and ovoid, inflated capsules. It flowers from July till the 
appearance of frost, and should be gathered about August and 
September. All parts of it are active, but the leaves and 
tops only are officinal. It has an unpleasant smell, and, when 



7tf MATERIA MEDICA. 

chewed, an acrid, burning, nauseous taste, which is at first faint, 
but soon becomes excessive. Water and alcohol extract the 
virtues of lobelia, which contain a volatile alkaloid principle, 
lobelina (analogous to nicotia), lobelic acid, fixed and volatile 
oil, gum, chlorophyl, &c. Lobelina is a yellowish liquid, lighter 
than water, of an aromatic odour, an acrid taste, soluble in 
water, but more so in alcohol and ether. 

Physiological Effects. — Lobelia produces effects on the sys- 
tem analogous to those of tobacco, acting in small doses as a 
sedative, nauseant, diuretic, and diaphoretic ; in larger doses 
as an energetic emetic ; and in still larger doses as an active 
aero narcotic poison, resembling tobacco in its influence. It 
was employed by the aborigines, and has always been a popular 
empirical remedy. 

Medicinal Uses. — Lobelia is sometimes classed among emet- 
ics, but its action in this particular is too violent for its safe 
administration. It is chiefly employed, by regular practition- 
ers, with a view to its antispasmodic properties, for the relief 
of asthma, angina pectoris, and cardiac dyspnoea, and is given 
in small doses, gradually increased, until headache or nausea 
ensue. It may also be used as an enema, to fulfil the same 
indications as tobacco. 

Administration. — Lobelia is given in substance, tincture, and 
infusion. The dose of the powder as an antispasmodic, is gr. j 
to gr. iij ; as an emetic, gr. v. to gr. xx. The best form, par- 
ticularly in asthma, is the tincture (four troyounces to diluted 
alcohol Oij), which may be given in the quantity of f5j, to be 
repeated as occasion may require. 

Acetum Lobelle ( Vinegar of Lobelia), made with diluted 
acetic acid, is a good preparation, in which the alkaloid is fixed 
by the acetic acid ; it is of the same strength, and may be given 
in the same doses as the tincture. 



CONIUM. 



77 



C O N I U M . 
Conii Folia, Conium Leaves ; Conii Fructus, Conium Seed. 

Conium maculatum, or Hemlock (Nat. Ord. Apiacese), is a 
biennial European plant, naturalized in many parts of the 
United States. Its stem is erect, from three to five feet high, 
round, smooth, and often spotted with purple. The leaves are 
large, bright-green, and repeatedly compound ; the flowers are 
small, white, and arranged in umbels, appearing in June and 
July. The whole plant is narcotic and virulent, and has a 
fetid, heavy odour. The leaves and seeds are the only por- 
tions used. The leaves should be gathered when the plant has 
done flowering, and kept in vessels from which the air and light 
are excluded. Plants grown in sunny situations and warm 

Fig. 10. 




climates are most active. When well preserved, the dried leaves 
have a fine green colour, and the characteristic smell and bitter- 
ish taste of the fresh herb, though less powerful. The seeds 



TS MATERIA MEDICA. 

should he gathered while yet green, and carefully dried. They 
have a yellowish-gray colour, a feehle odour, and a bitterish 
taste : they are roundish-ovate, a line and a half in length by a 
line in breadth, and striated. 

The active principle of hemlock is a peculiar alkaloid, termed 
con ia (C S H ]5 N), which exists in larger proportion in the seeds 
than the leaves. It is a colourless, transparent, volatile, oily 
fluid, of a peculiar, repulsive, suffocating, mouse-like odour, 
and a bitterish taste, sparingly soluble in water, and freely so 
in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, and undergoes decomposition 
upon exposure to the air ; it is a highly energetic poison, even 
in very small doses. 

Physiological Effects. — The action of hemlock, in small medi- 
cinal doses, is considered to be alterative and even tonic. Re- 
solvent properties, in cases of glandular enlargement, have been 
attributed to it, and atrophy of the mammae and testicles is said 
to have resulted from its continued employment. It is usually 
classed with the sedative narcotics, paralyzing the nerves of 
motion rather than those of sensation. In large doses, it causes 
nausea, vertigo, dimness of vision, relaxation of the muscles ; 
and, in poisonous quantities, dilatation of the pupils, difficulty 
of speech, delirium or coma, paralysis, and finally convulsions 
and death. It has no direct hypnotic effect. Like woorara, 
its characteristic physiological effect is the production of pure 
motor paralysis, in moderate amount involving the terminal 
nerve-endings only, in full poisoning, the motor trunks, and, 
probably, in lethal doses, the spinal cord itself. In cases of 
poisoning, alcoholic stimuli are to be given. 

Medicinal Uses. — It is employed as a general and topical 
anodyne, to relieve the pain of. malignant tumours : and, 
even if destitute of the deobstruent powers which have been 
ascribed to it, it certainly exerts a remarkably palliative influ- 
ence upon painful chronic indurations. It has been also recom- 
mended as an antispasmodic in whooping-cough and asthma ; 
as an anodyne in neuralgia ; as an adjuvant to other remedies 
in mania, especially melancholia ; to moderate irritability of the 
sexual organs ; in diabetes ; to relieve the blepharospasm of 



ACONITE. 79 

many acute inflammations of the eye ; and it is used externally 
as a cataplasm to cancers and other irritable ulcers. Conium 
is quickly absorbed, and is eliminated with equal rapidity; 
•hence, its effects are speedily induced, and are of brief dura- 
tion. It is the cicuta of Hippocrates, Galen, and Pliny, and 
is supposed to have been the poison administered to Socrates 
and Phocion. 

Administration. — The dose of the powdered leaves is gr. iij to 
gr. iv, twice a day, to be rapidly increased, till vertigo or nausea 
ensue. The seeds are much stronger and more uniform in their 
effects than the leaves. Dose, half a grain to a grain. The ex- 
tract (inspissated juice of the leaves) may be given in the same 
doses ; it is an uncertain preparation, and should be rejected 
unless it have a strong and penetrating odour. A tincture 
(four troy ounces of the leaves to diluted alcohol Oij, dose f5ss, 
f5j), an alcoholic extract of the leaves, and & fluid extract, are 
also used ; of the fluid extract (extr. conii fructHs fluid.), a 
fluidounce of which contains a troyounce of the seeds, and in 
preparing which muriatic acid is employed to fix the alkaloid 
conia, the dose is four or five minims. A good preparation is 
the Succus Conii (Juice of Conium), (which is prepared by 
adding one measure of alcohol to five measures of the recently 
expressed juice of the fresh leaves), dose f5i-ij- 

The preparations of conium are uncertain, from the fact that 
the active principle is very volatile and easily escapes ; the 
leaves contain but a small amount of it, which is easily driven 
off, even in the act of desiccation. Probably, the best prepara- 
tion is the fluid extract, which should be made from the green 
fruit ; this is now given in larger doses than those formerly 
laid down. 

A C N I T U M — A C N I T E . 

Aconiti Folia, Aconite Leaves; Aconiti Radix, Aconite Root. 

Aconitum Napellus, Aconite, Wolfsbane, or Monkshood (Nat. 
Ord. Ranunculacese), is a native of the mountainous parts of 
Europe. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant, with a fusiform 



SO MATERIA MEDICA. 

root, a simple erect stem, growing usually to the height of from 
two to lour feet, palmate, deeply cleft leaves, and large, dark, 
violet-blue flowers. The leaves and ROOT are both used, but 
the root is the more powerful. They have little or no smell ; 
but their taste is bitterish and acrid, and when chewed they oc- 
casion a peculiar feeling of tingling and numbness in the tongue 
and interior of the mouth. These properties are impaired by 
long keeping, and the plant loses its medicinal efficacy. Other 
species of aconite possess similar poisonous qualities to those of 
the A. Napellus. The active principle of aconite is an alkaloid 
named aconitia. w T hich is officinal. Other alkaloids, napellina, 
aconella and pseudaconitia, have been found in aconite, but 
aconitia only is active. 

Aconitia (C 30 H 47 NO 7 ) is prepared from an aqueous solution 
of an alcoholic extract of aconite root, by the addition of sul- 
phuric acid (which converts the natural salt of aconitia into a 
sulphate) ; it is then freed from its oily and resinous portions 
by means of ether ; the alkaloid is subsequently precipitated 
with ammonia, then redissolved by ether, and again separated 
from this menstruum by evaporation. It is a white amorphous 
powder, with a tinge of yellow, (though it has been obtained in 
crystals), without smell, of a bitter, acrid taste, and produces in 
the mouth a sense of numbness. It is partially soluble in 
water, and is readily dissolved by alcohol and chloroform, less 
readily by ether. There are no characteristic chemical tests of 
aconitia, and, in medico-legal cases, the physiological test, by 
producing numbness and tingling of the lips or skin, must be 
resorted to. 

Aconitia is an exceedingly virulent poison, more powerful 
when pure then hydrocyanic acid. It is scarcely adapted to 
internal use, as even one-fiftieth of a grain has produced 
alarming results. As a topical agent in neuralgia and rheu- 
matism, it has been employed with great success in alcoholic 
solution (gr. i-ij to f5j), or as an ointment (gr. ij to lard 5j> 
rubbed up with alcohol, gtt. vj). 

Physiological Effects. — Taken in small doses, aconite pro- 
duces a sensation of numbness in the head, face, and extremi- 



AMERICAN HEMP — INDIAN HEMP. 81 

ties, with a sedative action on the circulation, and more or less 
nausea and muscular debility. In larger doses, its effects are 
those of an acro-narcotic poison : gastric irritation, purging, 
contraction or expansion of the pupils, numbness or paralysis of 
the limbs, syncope, convulsions, and death. In case of poison- 
ing, the stomach is to be thoroughly evacuated, and stimulants, 
externally and internally, are to be freely administered. 

Medicinal Uses. — Aconite is a powerful and valuable remedy 
in the treatment of neuralgia, chronic rheumatism, gout, and 
other painful diseases, as might be inferred from its benumbing 
effects on the system. From its influence on the circulation, it 
is employed to reduce inflammatory action, to moderate an ex- 
cessively rapid pulse in scarlatina and other fevers, and as a 
remedy in hypertrophy and other cases of irregular or excessive 
action of the heart. In controlling abnormal cardiac action, 
aconite is perhaps the most available article we possess, but its 
employment requires caution. As a topical anodyne, in neu- 
ralgia, it has no superior. 

Administration. — The dose of the powdered leaves is gr. j to 
gr. ij ; of the root, gr. \ to gr. i ; of the alcoholic extract of the 
dried leaves, gr. J to gr. j ; of the tincture of the rooU which 
is by far the best preparation (twelve troyounces to alcohol Oij), 
3 to 5 drops. These doses are to be repeated twice or thrice 
daily, and cautiously increased, till the effects of the medicine 
are apparent. The tincture may be used externally ; but, for 
external application, the liniment (linimentum aconiti), which 
contains 8 troyounces of the powdered root in 7 fluidounces of 
alcohol and a fluidounce of glycerin, or the plaster (emplastrum 
aconiti), made by mixing 16 troyounces of alcoholic extract of 
aconite root with melted resin plaster enough to make the mix- 
ture weigh 16 troyounces, are to be preferred. 

CANNABIS AMERICANA — AMERICAN HEMP. 
CANNABIS INDICA — INDIAN HEMP. 

Cannabis sativa, or Hemp (Nat. Ord. Cannabinaceae) is a 
native of Persia and the northern part of India, and is culti- 



82 MATERIA MEDICA. 

rated in Europe, and in the United States. Narcotic virtues 
were formerly thought to exist only in the Cannabis Indica or 
Indian variety of the plant, but recent investigation seems to 
show that the hemp plants, raised in the Southern States, as 
Kentucky, are active, and might replace the East Indian drug. 

The flowering tops of both varieties are officinal. By 
evaporating concentrated alcoholic solutions of these, Extracts 
are obtained [extr actum cannabis Americanos and extr actum 
cannabis Indicce), which are the forms usually employed. 
Extract of hemp is of a dark, olive-green colour, a fragrant nar- 
cotic odour, and a bitter, acrid taste. It is soluble in alcohol 
and ether, but not in water. The resin, which is the active 
principle, has received the name of cannabin. 

Effects and Uses. — The medicinal properties of Extract of 
Cannabis are narcotic and antispasmodic, and in India, both the 
herb and resin are extensively used as intoxicating exhilarants, 
under the name of haschisch. In large doses it is sedative, 
producing relaxation of the muscles, confusion of thought, 
heavy sleep, and abatement of pain, without much affecting the 
secretions, except that from the kidneys, which it increases ; 
the pupils are dilated and the pulse is quickened. It has been 
chiefly extolled as an antispasmodic in traumatic tetanus, and 
has been employed with success in other spasmodic diseases, 
chorea, hysteria, &c, to relieve cerebral irritability in diabetes, 
and as an anodyne in rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, &c. It has 
also been given with advantage as an hypnotic in both mania 
and mania-a-potu ; and its powers of exciting uterine contrac- 
tions, and of checking uterine hemorrhagic discharges, are 
highly spoken of. Dose, from half a grain to two or more 
grains. The tincture is made by dissolving three hundred and 
sixty grains of the extract of Indian Hemp in a pint of alcohol ; 
forty drops of this are about equal to a grain of the extract. 

HUMULUS — HOPS. 

Hops are the strobiles of Humulus lupulus, or Hop-vine 
(Nat. Ord. Urticaceae), a climbing vine, indigenous in Europe, 



hops. 83 

and probably also in North America, with serrated, rough 
leaves, and greenish-yellow flowers. The medicinal portion is 
the fruit, or strobiles, which are also largely employed in the 
preparation of malt liquors, and are known as hops. They 
consist of thin, somewhat translucent, veined, leaf-like bracts or 
scales, of a greenish-yellow colour, a strong, fragrant, narcotic 
odour, and a bitter, aromatic, slightly astringent taste. Near 
their base are two small, round, dark seeds, covered with aro- 
matic glands or grains, which are the active portion of the 
hops, and are termed lupulin. They are separated by thresh- 
ing, rubbing, and sifting the scales, and constitute about a 
sixth part of the weight of hops. 

Lupulin (lupulina) is officinal, and consists of rounded or 
reniform, rather transparent grains, of a cellular texture, and 
a golden-yellow colour. It is slightly soluble in water, and com- 
pletely so in alcohol, and is composed of a volatile oil, a bitter 
principle termed lupulite, resin, tannic acid, and other matters. 
The scaly bracts contain a small portion of lupulinic matter. 

Effects and Uses. — Hops are narcotic and tonic. The nar- 
cotic properties probably reside in the volatile oil, and the 
tonic properties in the bitter principle. They are said, also, 
to possess antaphrodisiac properties, and sometimes prove 
diuretic. The odorous emanation is employed as an hypnotic 
by means of the hop-pillow. Internally, they are given to re- 
lieve restlessness, induce sleep, and allay pain, and are also 
much employed for their stomachic and tonic effect. The com- 
bination of tonic and hypnotic virtues renders hops an excellent 
remedy in mild forms of mania-a-potu. Topically, they are 
employed in the form of fomentation or poultice, as a resolvent 
or discutient, in painful swellings and tumours. 

Administration. — Hops are given in the form of infusion 
(half a troyounce to boiling water Oj), and tincture (five troy- 
ounces to diluted alcohol Oij), dose f5j to f5iij- 

The best preparation for internal use is Lupulin, in the dose 
of gr. v to gr. xij, in powder or pills. The tincture of lupulin 
(four troyounces to alcohol Oij) may be given in the dose of 
f 5j to f 5ij. The fluid extract is a concentrated tincture, con- 



84 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



taming the virtues of an ounce of lupulin in a fluidounce. The 
oleoresin also is officinal — dose, gr. ij to v. 



DULCAMARA BITTERSWEET. 

Fisr. 11. 




The young branches of Solanum Dulcamara, the Woody 
Nightshade, or Bittersweet {Nat. Ord. Solanaceae), a European 



DILUTED HYDROCYANIC ACID. 85 

vine, naturalized in the United States, possess combined nar- 
cotic and diaphoretic properties. They are of a greenish-gray 
colour, about the thickness of a quill, and have, when fresh, an 
unpleasant odour, which they lose by drying. Their taste is 
at first bitter, afterwards slightly acrid and sweet. The active 
principle is a poisonous alkaloid termed solania (C 43 H 70 NO 16 ), 
which has been found also in Solanum tuberosum, or common 
potato, and S. nigrum, or black nightshade. 

Effects and Uses. — In small doses, the most obvious effects 
of Bittersweet are an increase in the secretion from the skin 
and mucous surfaces, with some diminution of sensibility. In 
excessive doses it is an acro-narcotic poison. It is principally 
used in the form of decoction (a troyounce boiled in a pint of 
water for fifteen minutes, and water enough afterwards added 
to make the decoction measure a pint),* dose, fSi-ij, in painful 
cutaneous affections, and also in chronic catarrh, rheumatism, 
and gout. An extract (alcoholic), (dose, ten to twenty grains), 
and fluid extract (of which a fluidounce represents a troyounce 
of the stalks), are both officinal. 

ACIDUM HYDROCYANIC UM DILUTUM — DILUTED HY- 
DROCYANIC ACID. 

Hydrocyanic acid, known also as cyanhydric acid, a,n&prussic 
acid, is derived from a variety of vegetable substances, as the 
bitter almond, peach kernels and leaves, wild cherry, cherry 
laurel, &c. It is employed in medicine only in a state of ex- 
treme dilution ; and the diluted acid is obtained by the action 
of sulphuric acid and water on the ferrocyanide of potassium, 
or, when wanted for immediate use, by the action of muriatic 
acid and water on cyanide of silver. 

Diluted hydrocyanic acid is a colourless, volatile liquid, with 
a peculiar odour, and a cooling, somewhat irritating taste. It 
undergoes decomposition if exposed to the light, and should be 

* This is the usual formula for the decoctions, and is the mode of prepa- 
ration of all those which are stated to be of the strength of an ounce to a 
pint of water. 



86 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

kept in bottles covered with black paint or paper; but it is not 
a stable preparation. It contains two per cent, of the anhy- 
drous or concentrated acid. 

The anhydrous acid (HCy, or HNC) is a colourless, trans- 
parent, very volatile and decomposable liquid, with a powerful, 
peculiar odour, and a cooling, afterwards burning taste. Both 
water and alcohol dissolve it readily. It consists of one eq. of 
cyanogen and one of hydrogen. Its presence in a suspected 
mixture may be detected by the addition of a solution of nitrate 
of silver, which throws down a white, curdy precipitate of 
cyanide of silver, distinguishable by its exhaling the peculiar 
odour of prussic acid on the addition of muriatic acid, and by 
being wholly soluble in boiling nitric acid, (the silver test is the 
most delicate, when applied to prussic acid in the state of 
vapour) ; or, by adding to the suspected solution a little liquor 
potassse, and then a mixed solution of protosulphate and tersul- 
phate of iron, a dirty greenish- blue precipitate is thrown down, 
which, on the addition of a few drops of pure hydrochloric acid, 
becomes Prussian blue ; or (the best liquid test) the hydro- 
cyanic acid may be converted into sulphocyanide of ammonium 
by the addition of sulphide of ammonium, and the salt thus 
formed yields a deep blood-red colour upon the addition of a 
sesquioxide salt of iron, (the sulphur test may be advantageously 
employed also as a vapour test) ; or, fourthly, by the copper test 
(which may be also used in the form of vapour) — the liquid is 
first rendered slightly alkaline by liquor potassae, and, on add- 
ing a dilute solution of sulphate of copper, a greenish-white 
precipitate is thrown down. 

Physiological Effects. — When taken in medicinal doses, 
gradually increased, hydrocyanic acid occasions a bitter taste, 
increased flow of saliva, irritation of the throat, nausea, head- 
ache, giddiness, faintness, disorder of the vision, and tendency 
to sleep. The pulse is sometimes accelerated, but more com- 
monly depressed. In a poisonous dose, hydrocyanic acid 
arrests life with fearful rapidity, and is one of the most ener- 
getic poisons known, one or two drops of the pure acid being 
sufficient to destroy a dog in a few seconds. When not imme- 



CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM. 87 

diately fatal, it produces great and sudden prostration, trismus, 
difficult and spasmodic respiration, dilatation and immobility 
and sometimes contraction of the pupils, convulsions, &c. The 
best antidotes are chlorine, and a mixture of sulphate of iron 
(gr. x to water, f5j), tincture of chloride of iron (f'5j), and car- 
bonate of potassium (3j), in water (f§j or ij) ; inhalations of 
ammonia or its carbonate, and (if the patient can swallow), 
alcoholic stimuli are to be employed, and at the same time cold 
affusions and artificial respiration are to be also resorted to. 
The subcutaneous injection of the sulphate of atropia has been 
also found available, acting as a physiological antidote. 

Medicinal Uses. — Hydrocyanic acid is a valuable agent in 
allaying spasm, pain, and nervous irritability, in a variety of 
disorders, and is much used to relieve cough, particularly in 
phthisis pulmonalis, and for its antispasmodic virtues in asthma 
and whooping cough. It is, moreover, a most efficacious remedy 
in gastrodynia, and in neuralgic affections of the bowels, and 
also in chronic vomiting. Topically, it is employed as an ano- 
dyne in neuralgia, and in various forms of cutaneous disease 
(f5j to water Oj-Ojss.) 

Dose of the officinal acid, one or two drops, to be repeated 
and gradually increased by a drop, till some effect is perceptible. 
When it is taken for a length of time, care should be observed 
to have the medicine, as renewed, of uniform strength ; and it 
is best, in using a fresh sample, to return to the minimum dose. 

Potassii Cyanidum (Cyanide of Potassium), KCy, is 
used as a substitute for hydrocyanic acid, and has the advan- 
tage of being a more uniform chemical product, and less liable 
to undergo decomposition. It is made by heating together 
ferrocyanide of potassium and carbonate of potassium, and 
occurs in white, opaque, amorphous pieces, having a sharp, 
somewhat alkaline and bitter-almond taste, and an alkaline re- 
action ; its solution yields the odour of hydrocyanic acid, when 
exposed to the air. It is deliquescent, very soluble in water, 
and sparingly so in alcohol. Its medicinal and poisonous 
effects are the same as those of hydrocyanic acid. Dose, gr. J- 



88 mat eiu a medic a. 

in half an ounce of distilled water, to be repeated and increased. 
The addition of a few drops of some vegetable acid frees the 
hydrocyanic acid, and the same effect is produced by the acids 
of the stomach. 

Oleum Amygdalje Amar^j (Oil of Bitter Almond), con- 
tains hydrocyanic acid, and maybe used for the same purposes. 
It is obtained by distillation from the kernel of the fruit of 
Amygdalus communis, variety Amara (Nat. Orel. Amygdale^e), 
and is of a yellowish colour, with a bitter, acrid, burning taste, 
and the peculiar odour of the bitter almond, whicb is different 
from that of hydrocyanic acid. It is heavier than water, 
slightly soluble in it, and soluble in alcohol and ether. It con- 
tains hydride of benzoyl and hydrocyanic acid, which are de- 
veloped from a principle termed amy gelatin, and water, under 
the influence of an albuminous ferment termed emulsin : thus, 
amygdalin (C 20 H 27 NO n ) + water (2H 2 0) = hydride of benzoyl 
(C-H-OH) + HCN + glucose (2C 6 H 12 6 ). The effects of this 
oil upon the system are closely analagous to those of hydro- 
cyanic acid, and its strength is about four times that of the 
diluted officinal acid. Dose, for internal use, a quarter to half 
a drop in emulsion; as an external application, one drop to a 
fluidounce of menstruum. Bitter Almond Wetter (aqua amyg- 
dalae amarae), is used as a vehicle for narcotic medicines. 
Dose, half a fluidounce. 

Syrupus Amygdala (Syrup of Almond), made from both 
the sweet and bitter almonds, is slightly impregnated with the 
virtues of hydrocyanic acid, and is a pleasant vehicle for cough 
mixtures. The following is the formula for preparing it : Rub 
twelve troyounces of blanched sweet almonds and four troy- 
ounces of bitter almonds to a fine paste, adding, during the 
trituration, three fluidounces of water and twelve troyounces 
of sugar. Mix the paste with two pints and thirteen fluid- 
ounces of water, strain, and dissolve in this solution, at a gentle 
heat, sixty troyounces of powdered sugar. 



CAMPHOR. 89 



CAMPHOR A — C A MP H R . 



Camphor is a peculiar concrete substance derived from 
Camphora officinarum, or the Camphor-Laurel (Nat. Ord. 
Lauracese), a large evergreen tree of China, Japan, and the 
island of Formosa. All parts of the tree are strongly impreg- 
nated with camphor, which is obtained from the roots and 
branches by sublimation. In this state it is known in commerce 
as crude camphor, and consists of dirty grayish grains, adhering 
in crumbling masses. Japan camphor (called also Butch cam- 
phor), has a pinkish colour, and is purer though coarser than 
the China camphor, but it is not brought to the United States. 
The crude camphor, as imported from Canton, is not found in 
the shops, until it is purified by resublimation with quicklime, 
when it is termed refined camphor. 

This occurs in large hemispherical or convex-concave cakes, 
perforated in the middle. It is solid at ordinary temperatures, 
soft and somewhat tough, but may be readily powdered by the 
addition of a few drops of alcohol. It is translucent, has a 
strong, fragrant odour, and an aromatic, bitter, afterwards 
cooling taste. It is volatile, highly inflammable, lighter than 
water, and very slightly soluble in it, but soluble in alcohol, 
ether, chloroform, oils, and acids. Water, added to the spirit 
of camphor, precipitates the camphor. 

A valuable camphor is known in the East, which is found in 
a concrete state in the cavities and fissures of the trunk of 
Dryobalanops Camphora, a tree of Borneo and Sumatra. The 
Borneo camphor occurs in small fragments of crystals, which 
are transparent, brittle, and harder than the laurel camphor. 
An oil, or liquid camphor, is also obtained from the Dryobala- 
nops, which is more highly esteemed in Oriental countries than 
the camphor itself. 

Camphor is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen 
(C 10 H 16 O). It has been considered to be an oxide of a hypo- 
thetical base called camphogen or camphene, which is iso- 
meric with the oil of turpentine. When heated, it yields an 



90 MATERIA MEDICA. 

oil, called oil of camphor. By passing hydrochloric acid into 
oil of turpentine, a substance is obtained called artificial 
camphor. 

Physiological Effects. — The topical action of camphor is 
irritant. After its absorption, its effects, in small doses, are 
moderately stimulant, exhilarant, and anodyne, with a deter- 
mination to the skin. In large doses, it causes considerable 
disorder of the cerebro-spinal system, and generally depression 
of the circulation : and in excessive quantity, it acts as a power- 
ful acro-narcotic poison, occasioning burning heat in the stomach, 
violent convulsions, and maniacal delirium. It is also an ana- 
phrodisiac. In cases of poisoning, after evacuating the stomach, 
opium, wine, &c, are to be administered. 

Medicinal Uses. — From its combined antispasmodic and 
diaphoretic powers, camphor is a valuable remedy in the treatment 
of dysentery, and is much employed in this disease, either in com- 
bination with opium, or as a substitute for the latter. In the early 
stages of cholera, and in flatulent diarrhoea, it is also greatly 
prescribed. As a diaphoretic stimulant and antispasmodic, it 
is useful in the low stages of typhoid and typhus fevers, and 
in typhoid conditions of the system generally. In many forms 
of mental disorder, it calms irritability, relieves despondency, 
and induces sleep. And it has no superior among the ano- 
dynes, in allaying irritation or pain of the genito-urinary 
organs, as in dysmenorrhoea, uterine after-pains, strangury, 
nymphomania, chordee, &c. From its anodyne and sudorific 
properties, it is also applicable to the treatment of chronic 
rheumatism and gout. Externally, camphor is employed as an 
anodyne in rheumatism, and as a discutient in chronic inflam- 
matory affections. Powdered camphor, sniffed into the nostrils, 
is a good remedy in coryza and influenza. 

Administration. — The medium dose, in substance, is gr. v to 
gr. x ; but it may vary from gr. j to 9j. It is best given in 
emulsion, made by rubbing up the camphor with loaf sugar, 
gum Arabic, myrrh, and water. The form of pill is objection- 
able, from the difficulty with which it is dissolved in the gastric 
liquors. 



CAMPHOR. 91 

Aqua Camphors {Camphor Water), is made by rubbing up 
camphor (120 grains) with 40 minims of alcohol,* and subse- 
quently with carbonate of magnesium (half a troyounce) and 
distilled water (two pints). The carbonate is used to promote 
the solution of the camphor, and is afterwards separated by 
filtration. Dose, fSj (containing about gr. iij) to fSij or iij. 
The spirit (four troy ounces to alcohol Oij), is used chiefly as 
an embrocation, but it may be given internally, where the 
action of the alcohol is not objectionable, in the dose of gtt. v 
to f5j. 

Llnimentum Camphors (Liniment of Camphor), consists 
of camphor (1 part), dissolved in olive oil (4 parts) : a mild 
embrocation. 

Linimentum Saponis (Soap Liniment), is made by digest- 
ing soap (four troyounces) and camphor (two troyounces) with 
oil of rosemary (half a fluidounce), in alcohol (two pints) and 
water (six fluidounces). It is a yellow oleaginous liquid, and 
is used as an anodyne and gently rubefacient application, in 
gouty and rheumatic pains, sprains, bruises, &c. 

Oleum Camphors (Oil of Camphor), the volatile oil ob- 
tained from Camphora officinarum, is a light reddish-brown 
fluid, with the odour and taste of camphor. It has medicinal 
properties similar to those of camphor, but is more stimulant, 
and therefore especially adapted to affections of the stomach 
and bowels. Dose, 2 or 3 drops. It is used also externally. 

A substance termed Monobromated Camphor is prepared by 
boiling a mixture of camphor and bromine in distilled water, 
till the water is driven off, and then dissolving in alcohol and 
crystallizing. It occurs in long colourless, acicular crystals, 
in which an equivalent of hydrogen of the camphor is replaced 
by bromine. It has been used in delirium tremens, and hys- 
terical and convulsive affections ; dose for an adult, 5 grains, 
repeated. 

* A few drops of ether are better than alcohol. 



92 MATERIA MEDICA. 



PHYSO STIGMA — CALABAR BEAN. 

This is the seed of a perennial climbing plant of the western 
coast of Africa, which has received the name of Phjsostigma 
venenosum (Nat. Ord. Fabaceas). The seed is about the size 
of a large horse-bean, irregularly kidney-form in shape, with 
a firm, hard, brittle integument, when recently gathered of a 
gray colour, but gradually deepening into a dark chocolate- 
brown. The inner kernel is by far the more active portion ; it 
is hard, white, pulverizable, of an edible taste, without bitter- 
ness or acridity. Alcohol, but not water, extracts its medicinal 
virtues. It yields an active alkaloid principle, termed pliyso- 
stigmia or eseria, sparingly soluble in water, but more soluble 
in alcohol, ether, and chloroform. 

The Calabar bean has long been used among the negroes of 
Western Africa, as an ordeal to determine the guilt or inno- 
cence of accused individuals, whence its name, the ordeal bean 
of Calabar. It has been found, in full medicinal doses, to pro- 
duce giddiness, torpor, paleness and coolness of the surface, 
weak and irregular pulse, relaxation of the muscular system, 
and drowsiness, but not stupor. An interesting eifect of its 
action is a remarkable power of contracting the pupil, whether 
taken internally, or applied externally ; and it also contracts 
the ciliary muscle, which regulates the accommodating power 
of the eye. As a neurotic, its influence is directed rather to 
the spinal marrow than the brain, suspending or destroying the 
power of the former of conducting impressions. It is allied in 
its effects to woorara and conium, but differs from them in its 
tendency to produce muscular twitchings, and in contracting 
the pupil. In cases of poisoning, after emptying the stomach, 
the hypodermic administration of a solution of atropia is the 
best physiological antidote. 

Calabar bean has been found highly efficacious in traumatic 
tetanus. It has been used also with success in chorea, and in 
poisoning from strychnia, and spasmodic cholera. In ophthalmic 
surgery, its employment is obvious, either to produce contrac- 



COCCULUS INDICUS. 93 

tion of the pupil, or to increase the power of accommodating 
the eye to distances. 

The dose of the kernel is laid down as two or three grains, 
to begin. with, gradually increased. By exhausting the kernel 
with alcohol, an extract (alcoholic) is obtained, of which the dose 
is one-eighth of a grain. A good form of administration is the 
tincture (which is not officinal), which may be made from the 
alcoholic extract, in the proportion of twelve grains to an ounce 
of alcohol — dose, 10 drops; or a solution in glycerin may be 
used. Paper, impregnated with a concentrated tincture of the 
bean, and afterwards dried, has been applied locally to the eye. 

COCCULUS — COCCULUS INDICUS. 

This is the dried seed of Anamirta Cocculus {Nat. Ord. 
Menispermaceae), a climbing shrub of India. The fruit is a 
one-celled berry, of a dark, purplish colour, with a soft pulp, 
and a single seed. This, when dried, is about the size of a pea, 
of a dark-grayish colour, and consists of a thin, dry, blackish, 
wrinkled integument, containing a whitish, oily, inodorous, very 
bitter kernel. The active properties reside in a peculiar white, 
crystallizable, bitter principle, termed picrotoxin, which is par- 
tially soluble in water, and very soluble in alcohol, chloroform, 
and ether. In the shell, an alkaloid termed menispermia has 
been found, and a neutral principle of the same composition as 
the alkaloid, termed paramenispermin. 

Effects and Uses. — Cocculus Indicus is an acrid cerebro- 
spinant- narcotic, capable, in large doses, of producing death. 
It has not been much used internally ; but, in the form of de- 
coction or ointment, it is employed to destroy lice and other 
parasites, and for the cure of tinea and porrigo of the scalp. It 
is said to prevent the secondary fermentation of malt liquors, 
into which it is sometimes introduced as an adulteration. 
Cocculus Indicus is not officinal. 



94 MATERIA MEDICA. 



WOORARA. 



This substance, termed also woorari, woorali, and curare, has 
long been known as a powerful poison, prepared by the Indians 
in South America, and, of late years, has been employed as a 
medicine. Its source is unsettled, but it is generally considered 
to be an extract from the bark of an unknown plant. It is 
brought from the banks of the Orinoco, and occurs in the form 
of dark-brown or grayish lumps or powder, of an intensely 
bitter taste, and, when triturated, of a powerful odour. A prin- 
ciple termed curarine or curaria is said to have been extracted 
from woorara. 

Effects and Uses. — Woorara is ranked with the sedative nar- 
cotics, and is considered to destroy life by more or less rapid 
paralysis of the respiratory muscles. A peculiarity of its action 
is that it iscomparatively innoxious when taken by the stomach, 
being either not absorbed at all in this viscus, or so slowly, as 
to allow of its elimination by the kidneys, before dangerous 
accumulation in the blood. Hence, for therapeutic purposes, it 
must be employed either endermically to a blistered surface, or 
by hypodermic injection. It is very similar in its action to 
conium, and may be employed therapeutically to fulfil the same 
indications. The amount administered endermically is from a 
half to three-quarters of a grain daily. 

ORDER II. — ETHEREAL ANESTHETICS. 

The term, Anaesthetics (from a, non, and aladrim^ sensation), 
properly speaking, includes all agents which diminish sensibility 
and relieve pain. It has, however, been used to denominate a 
class of ethereal remedies, which are applied by inhalation, and 
produce such a condition of temporary insensibility, as to pre- 
vent pain during surgical operations and parturition. 

The vapours usually employed to produce anaesthesia are 
those of ether and chloroform. Many other substances 
have, however, lately been introduced as anaesthetics. 



ETHER. 95 



^THER — ETHER. 

Ether is prepared by the distillation of alcohol and sulphu- 
ric acid, and is afterwards rectified by redistillation with solu- 
tion of potassa. For inhalation, however, it is further purified 
by being shaken with water, by which it is freed from alcohol, 
and this, as well as acid contaminations, are afterwards re- 
moved by the agency of chloride of calcium and freshly cal- 
cined lime. Thus purified, it is designated as iETHER Fortior 
— Stronger Ether. 

Although commonly termed sulphuric ether, in allusion to 
the sulphuric acid used in its preparation, yet ether contains no 
sulphuric acid. By the action of the acid upon alcohol, this 
substance, which is chemically a hydrated oxide of ethyl, is 
deprived of the elements of water, and is converted into the 
oxide of ethyl or ether, for which the formula is C 4 H 10 O, or 
(C 2 H 5 ) 2 0. 

Ether is a transparent, colourless liquid, with a strong, fra- 
grant odour, and a hot, pungent taste. It wholly evaporates in 
the air, so rapidly as to cause a considerable degree of cold, is 
very inflammable, combines with alcohol and chloroform in 
every proportion, and dissolves in ten times its volume of water. 
The sp. gr. of pure ether is 0.713, of stronger ether, 0.728, of 
ordinary officinal ether, 0.750. The boiling point of stronger 
ether is about 98° F. 

Effects and Uses when swallowed. — When taken into the 
stomach, ether produces a primary stimulant and secondary 
narcotic effect, the stage of excitement being, however, very 
transient. It has long been employed as an antispasmodic and 
anodyne remedy in asthma, angina pectoris, hysteria, cramp of 
the stomach and bowels, spasm of the gall-ducts, &c. ; and, from 
its combined stimulant and antispasmodic virtues, it has been 
found useful in the latter stages of typhus, attended by sub- 
sultus tendinum, &c. As a topical anodyne, ether is a very 
good application in nervous headache and earache ; it has been 
also applied with advantage in aphthae, stomatitis, diphtheria, 



96 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and other affections of the mouth and throat ; and, from its re- 
Frigerant effects, it has been used in the reduction of strangu- 
lated hernia, and as a cooling lotion in cerebral affections. If 
evaporation be repressed, when it is applied locally, it acts as 
a rubefacient, and may be employed for counter-irritation. 

Dose. f5ss to foj, to be increased when habitually used. It 
may be incorporated with water, by rubbing it up with sperma- 
ceti, in the proportion of two grains to a fluidrachm of ether, 
or it may be given in capsules of sugared gum. 

Effects and Uses when inhaled. — The first effects of the 
inhalation of ether are a sense of strangulation and cough, from 
its local irritant action. When the vapour is absorbed into the 
system through the pulmonary surface, the nervous functions 
are successively and progressively affected. The mental facul- 
ties and volition become first impaired ; insensibility and uncon- 
sciousness rapidly supervene, during which susceptibility to 
pain is lost ; and the patient lies in a trance-like sleep, resem- 
bling death. This condition is often preceded by one of excite- 
ment, during which patients sometimes weep, laugh, moan, sing, 
rave, or present pugnacious manifestations. In the beginning 
of etherization, the circulation is accelerated, but it is after- 
wards depressed. The period of full ether-narcosis lasts from 
five to ten minutes, and the patient ordinarily recovers without 
serious inconvenience, although headache, nausea, drowsiness, 
and languor sometimes ensue for a few hours. Occasionally, 
congestion of the brain or lungs, cataleptic rigidity with pro- 
longed insensibility, and, in females, hysterical phenomena 
ensue after etherization ; but these effects are uncommon, and 
it is believed that death has never followed the use of ether, 
when care has been taken to admit atmospheric air into the 
lungs along with the ether. During the stage of insensibility, 
convulsive twitches or muscular rigidity are occasionally 
noticed ; the breathing is sometimes stertorous ; the iris becomes 
fixed ; the pupils are dilated ; the eyeballs are upturned ; and 
the orbicularis palpebrarum does not contract when touched. 
Insensibility to pain in some cases takes place before uncon- 
sciousness ; and, when patients are recovering from the latter 



ETHER. 97 

state, the mental faculties are often completely restored, while 
insensibility to pain continues. 

Since the year 1846, the inhalation of ether, first resorted to 
in our own country, has been practised very generally in all 
parts of the world, with the greatest success, for the prevention 
of pain in surgical operations ; and its use has been also 
extended with the happiest results to the relief of pain in labour. 

It should not be exhibited where disease of the heart or 
brain, or serious obstruction of the lungs, exists, or when from 
any cause there is unusual tendency to syncope, and precaution 
should be taken to guard against asphyxia ; but, when adminis- 
tered with proper care and discrimination, it is attended with 
little or no danger or unpleasant results of any kind. 

The quantity of ether necessary to effect etherization is 
about two ounces ; and it may be conveniently applied by 
means of a c*one of stiff paper, shaped so that its base will fit 
over the nose and mouth of the patient, and into which a nap- 
kin or small towel, or hollowed-out sponge, is placed : the sponge 
should be first soaked in warm water, squeezed dry, and satura- 
ted with pure ether. It is then applied to the mouth and 
nostrils, the mouth being permitted occasionally to receive 
atmospheric air ; and, if irritability of the air-passages occur, 
this is to be gradually overcome. From three to five minutes 
are required to produce anaesthezation, and its occurrence is 
known by the closure of the eyelids (if they have been previously 
open), failure to respond to questions, and muscular relaxation. 
The sponge is then to be removed, and may be reapplied from 
time to tim&, if necessary. 

Etherization is less apt to produce nausea if practised upon 
an empty stomach, and the administration of a little brandy 
and laudanum promotes its action. 

Etherization has been also resorted to in a variety of morbid 
conditions, in which the administration of narcotics and anti- 
spasmodics has been found useful. It exerts a powerful control 
over the violent types of spasmodic disease, and has been pre- 
scribed with the greatest advantage in hysteria, tetanus, poison- 
ing from strychnia, asthma, chorea, convulsions, puerperal 

' 7 



98 MATERIA MEDICA. 

eclampsia, whooping-cough, dysmenorrhea, and almost every 
description of spasm; and as a relaxant in the diagnosis and 
reduction of dislocations. 

Local anaesthesia and congelation may be produced through 
the agency of the ether spray applied to a part by the atomizer, 
(see p. 46.) 

CHLOROFORM U M — C HLOROFORM. 

Chloroform is usually obtained from the distillation of alco- 
hol with chlorinated lime, and, for medicinal use, 

Commercial Chloroform (Chloroformum Venale), is puri- 
fied by agitation with one-fifth its weight of sulphuric acid, which 
destroys the contamination of chlorinated pyrogenous oil ; and 
the sulphurous acid formed and the water present are afterwards 
removed by means of a watery solution of carbonate of sodium, 
and of stronger alcohol and lime. The purest chloroform, for 
internal use, is now made from the hydrate of chloral. 

Purified Chloroform (Chloroformum Purificatum), is a 
colourless, volatile liquid, of a bland, ethereal odour, and a hot, 
aromatic, saccharine taste. It is not inflammable, is slightly 
soluble in water, and freely soluble in alcohol and ether. It 
has extensive solvent powers, dissolving camphor, the fixed and 
volatile oils, most resins and fats, iodine, bromine, the organic 
alkalies, &c. The purest chloroform has a sp. gr. of 1.5022. 
Officinal chloroform has a sp. gr. of 1.480, when it contains a 
little alcohol ; and, as usually found, its sp. gr. is about 1.475, 
when it contains more alcohol, and is less apt to become acid. 
The boiling point of pure chloroform is 142° F. It is, chemi- 
cally, a terchloride of formyl, CHC1 3 . Chloroform is some- 
times contaminated with chlorinated pyrogenous oil (a very in- 
jurious impurity) ; this may be detected and removed by strong 
sulphuric acid, which gives the chloroform a colour varying from 
yellowish to reddish-brown, according to the amount of impurity. 
The most delicate test for the presence of alcohol is the binitro- 
sulphuret of iron, which, when agitated with chloroform, will 
produce a brown tint if alcohol be present. 



CHLOROFORM. 99 

Physiological Effects. — The effects of chloroform on the sys- 
tem are analogous to those of ether, but much more rapid and 
powerful. When inhaled, in the dose of a fluidrachm or more, 
it rapidly induces anaesthetic sleep, with great relaxation of the 
muscles, and the most complete insensibility to painful agents. 
The period at which insensibility occurs varies from fifteen 
seconds to two minutes ; and it continues usually between five 
and ten minutes, and may be prolonged considerably, by re- 
newals of the inhalation. The patient usually recovers without 
recollection of what has occurred during the state of insensi- 
bility, and with few or no uncomfortable sequelae. Sensibility 
to pain is often very much obliterated, even before conscious- 
ness is lost. 

The administration of chloroform has, in some cases, been 
attended with fatal syncope, due to heart-paralysis. This has 
ordinarily occurred with such rapidity as to render remedial 
interference unavailable ; but, at the slightest approach of 
symptoms of the kind, the patient should be placed in a re- 
cumbent position, cold affusions should be applied, and, above 
all, artificial respiration, together with electro-magnetism, 
should be resorted to. 

Topically applied, and when its evaporation is prevented, 
chloroform acts as an irritant, and soon vesicates the skin — 
powerfully diminishing painful impressions during its appli- 
cation. 

Medicinal Uses. — Chloroform is prescribed by the stomach 
as an anodyne, and antispasmodic, in all the cases to which 
ether is applicable, and has the advantage of a more agreeable 
taste. It has been found particularly useful to relieve the pain 
and vomiting of cancer of the stomach, and also in colic and 
cholera. It has been also extolled as an antiperiodic in the 
treatment of intermittent fevers. Externally, it is used as a 
topical anodyne, and also as a stimulating application to foul 
and indolent ulcers, and occasionally for its constitutional 
effects. 

Dose, from tTJxv to f5ss, in sweetened water or mucilage; to 
be repeated. As an anti-neuralgic liniment, f5j to f§ij of 



100 MATERIA MEDICA. 

camphor liniment : or as a rnbefacient and anodyne, undiluted, 
on linen, covered with oiled silk, to prevent evaporation. As 
a wash or gargle, f5j or ij to water Oj. 

The introduction of chloroform, as an anaesthetic, took place 
shortly after that of ether ; and, from its greater intensity of 
action, its freedom from irritating effects on the bronchial 
mucous membrane, its more agreeable odour, and its non- 
inflammability, it has been extensively used, particular!}' in 
Great Britain, to the exclusion of ether. A very considerable 
number of fatal cases have, however, occurred from the inhala- 
tion of this agent, where its administration did not appear in 
any way counter-indicated; and it can scarcely be considered 
a perfectly safe remedy. It is employed as an anaesthetic, 
anodyne, and antispasmodic, to fulfil the indications to which 
ether is applicable. It is also used hypodermically. 

The dose for inhalation is a fluidrachm, to be repeated in two 
minutes, if anaesthesia be not produced ; and its effects may be 
renewed from time to time, without injury. It may be applied 
on a handkerchief, held near the nose or mouth, care being 
taken to allow a proper admixture of atmospheric air. 

A solution of chloroform in ether has been used in the United 
States, but, from the unequal volatilization of the two liquids, 
it must be difficult to modify their effects by combination. 

Spiritus Chloroformi [Spirit of Chloroform), is a solution 
of a troyounce of chloroform in twelve fiuidounces of diluted 
alcohol ; a convenient form for internal exhibition. Dose, f 5j. 

Linimentum Chloroformi (Liniment of Chloroform), is made 
by mixing three parts of chloroform with four parts of olive oil. 

Mistura Chloroformi (Mixture of Chloroform), is made by 
mixing chloroform, in which camphor is dissolved (sixty grains 
in half a troyounce of chloroform), with six fiuidounces of 
water, by the intervention of the yolk of an egg. Dose, 
f5ss-f5j.* 

* Under the name of chlorodyne, a combination containing chloroform is 
much used, for which the following is a formula: Muriate of morphia, 8 
grains ; oil of peppermint, 16 minims ; stronger ether, a fluidounce ; extract 
of liquorice, 1\ troyounces ; pure chloroform, stronger alcohol, and molas- 



COMPOUNDS OF AMYL. 101 

Since the discovery of the anaesthetic properties of ether and 
chloroform, many other substances have been employed for the 
purpose of anaesthesia. Of these may be mentioned : 

I. Rhigolene, a petroleum naphtha, obtained by the dis- 
tillation of petroleum. It is the lightest of all known liquids, 
having a sp. gr. 0.625, is highly volatile and inflammable, boils 
at 70° F., and in its composition is a hydrocarbon, containing 
no oxygen. It is nearly odourless, and has been employed to 
produce local anaesthesia through the agency of the atomizer, 
and is the most convenient, most rapid, and most easily con- 
trolled freezing liquid that can be used. Its name is derived 
from pt-yog, extreme cold. 

II. Bichloride op Methylene. — This liquid is most 
easily procured by the action of nascent hydrogen (developed 
from zinc, water, and sulphuric acid), upon chloroform. Its 
composition is CH 2 C1 2 . It is a colourless fluid, having a pleas- 
ant ethereal odour like that of chloroform, boils at 88° F., has 
sp. gr. 1.34, and mixes with ether and chloroform in all propor- 
tions. It is said nearly to equal chloroform in efficacy, with 
less danger to life, while its effects are much more rapid. It 
is used in about the same dose as chloroform, but has not been 
employed in the United States. 

III. Methylic Ether, made by digesting methylic alcohol 
with strong sulphuric acid, is a gaseous substance, lately em- 
ployed. Under the name of methyl- etliylic ether, it has been 
used, dissolved in ethylic ether, and is said to produce rapid 
anaesthesia, without spasm, syncope, or asphyxia, during inhala- 
tion, or subsequent nausea. One or two drachms may be in- 
troduced into a bag inhaler, and the gas is volatilized by means 
of a hand bellows. 

IV. Compounds of Amyl. — Various compounds of amyl 
(C 5 H n ), products derivable from the oxidation of starchy mat- 

ses, each, 4fluidounces ; diluted hydrocyanic acid, 2 fluidounces ; syrup, 17J 
fluidounces : dissolve the morphia and oil in the alcohol, and add the chlo- 
roform and ether, mix the liquorice, syrup and molasses, shake the two 
mixtures, and add the hydrocyanic acid — dose, 5 to 10 minims, the vial to 
be well shaken. 



102 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tor, have been proposed as anaesthetics. Amylic alcohol, or 
fusel oil (the hydrated oxide of amy], C 5 H n HO), is one of 
the products of the alcoholic fermentation. It is a colourless, 
oily liquid, of a strong, offensive odour, and an acrid, burning 
taste. When inhaled by animals, it has been found to produce 
muscular paralysis and convulsions. Amylene (C 5 H 10 ) is pre- 
pared by distilling amylic alcohol with a concentrated solution 
of chloride # of zinc. It is a colourless, mobile liquid, having a 
peculiar disagreeable smell. Of the amyl series, amylene alone 
can be considered as a true anaesthetic, that will produce com- 
plete insensibility to pain. An extreme dose is, however, 
required for this purpose, and its operation is dangerous to life. 
The hydruret, iodide, acetate, and nitrite of amyl have also 
been employed. Of these compounds, however, the nitrite 
alone appears likely to come into use as a therapeutic agent. 
The nitrite OF amyl is prepared by heating one part of strong 
nitric acid with two parts of rectified fusel oil until reaction 
just commences, when the fire is withdrawn. After the violent 
reaction has subsided, heat is again carefully applied. The 
distillate obtained below 212° F., is rectified over carbonate of 
potassium, with the precaution to collect only that portion dis- 
tilling between 202° and 206° F. It is a nitrite of the oxide 
of amyl, and is an amber-coloured, volatile, inflammable liquid, 
of sp. gr. 0.913, boiling at 182° F., with an odour and taste 
like that of ripe pears. Its composition is C 5 H n N0 2 . It is 
not a true anaesthetic, as it does not destroy consciousness, 
unless a condition approaching to death is produced. It pro- 
duces marked and rapid dilatation and hyperemia of the cere- 
bral vessels, and is an energetic excitant of vascular action 
generally. It has been employed to rouse the system in cases 
of syncope and prostration, as an antidote in chloroform 
poisoning, and has been also found efficacious in relieving the 
pain of angina pectoris, in asthma, eclampsia parturientium, 
and many other convulsive diseases. The inhalation of the 
vapour of the nitrite has been found efficacious in arresting 
epileptic spasm, when its approach is indicated by the aura 
epileptica ; and also in tetanus and strychnia poisoning. Dose 



NITROUS OXIDE GAS. 103 

5 to 10 drops ; this amount may be inhaled, dropped on a piece 
of cotton, or from a small open' vial, introduced into the 
nostril. 

V. Tetrachloride of Carbon. — This substance, termed 
also bichloride of carbon and chlorocarbon (CC1 4 ), is made by 
passing the vapour of bisulphide of carbon, together with chlo- 
rine, through a red-hot porcelain tube ; and is purified by agi- 
tation with an alcoholic solution of potash, afterwards washing 
with water, and subsequently redistilling. It is a transparent, 
colourless fluid, having an ethereal and sweetish odour, not 
unlike that of chloroform. Its sp. gr. is high, 1.56, and its boil- 
ing point, 170° F. It is miscible in all proportions with ether 
and chloroform. Chlorocarbon has been employed by inhala- 
tion as an antispasmodic, anodyne, and anaesthetic, and has the 
advantage of a pleasant smell and freedom from nauseating 
effect. For full and prolonged anaesthesia, however, there are 
objections to its use in the heaviness of its vapour, its insuf- 
ficient volatility, and the consequent difficulty of its elimination 
from the system. It may be inhaled to the extent of f5i. A 
mixture of one part of chlorocarbon and six parts of chloroform 
is recommended as a safe and agreeable anaesthetic. The 
Tetrabromide of Carbon (CBr 4 ) has very recently been 
added to our list of anaesthetics. It may be made by heating 
bisulphide of carbon in a sealed tube with bromide of iodine. 
It is a white substance, crystallizing in plates, of an ethereal 
odour, somewhat resembling that of tetrachloride of carbon, 
and sweetish taste. It is insoluble in water, but dissolves in 
ether, alcohol, bisulphide of carbon, chloroform, bromoform, 
benzole, and petroleum. 

VI. Nitrous Oxide Gas was the substance by which an- 
aesthesia was in the first instance produced, in the hands of 
Mr. Horace Wells, a dentist of Hartford, Connecticut. It is 
made by the decomposition of nitrate of ammonium by heat. 
Its composition is N 2 0. It is a colourless, respirable gas, 
absorbable by water, and the solution, like the gas itself, has a 
faint, agreeable odour and sweet taste. This gas is both a plea- 
sant and efficient anaesthetic, more rapid, and at the same time 



104 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

more transitory in its action, than either ether or chloroform, 
and free from disagreeable or serious consequences. It is well 
adapted to employment in the extraction of teeth, or in short, 
minor surgical operations, but its effects are too transient for 
the anesthesia required in protracted operations. The amount 
necessary to produce anaesthesia (one or two gallons), as well 
as the complicated apparatus required for its administration, 
constitute also an objection to its general use. It is best ad- 
ministered from an India-rubber bag, containing about eight 
gallons of the gas, furnished with a mouth-piece with two 
valves, one of which is designed for the throwing out of the 
respired gas. Water, impregnated with about five times its 
volume of nitrous oxide, has been used internally as a stimu- 
lant, in the dose of half a pint to a pint and a half, during the 
course of the day. In experiments upon dogs, nitrous oxide 
water injected into the bowels has been found to act as a phy- 
siological antidote in cases of poisoning from chloroform, car- 
bonic acid, hydrocyanic acid, and other agents. 

ORDER III. — ANTISPASMODICS. 

Antispasmodics are medicines that allay irregular nervous 
action. Their effects upon the economy in a state of health 
are not very decided, and are limited to a slight stimulation of 
the circulation, and exhilaration of the mental faculties. Their 
influence is, however, strikingly shown in certain deranged 
conditions of the -nervous system, particularly in those forms 
of spasm which depend upon idiopathic or primary nervous 
disorder, and are known under the designation of hysteria. 
They are also useful in many varieties of mental disturbance, 
as wakefulness, hypochondriasis, and even insanity, and are 
often preferable to narcotics in the treatment of these cases, 
from their comparative freedom of action on the brain. They 
are all distinguished by a powerful odour. 



ASAFETIDA. 105 



ASAF(ETID A — A SAFETIDA. 

Asafetida is a gum-resinous exudation, obtained from the 
root of Narthex Asafoetida (Nat. Ord. Apiaceae), and is de- 
rived from Southern Persia and Afghanistan. The plant has 
a long tapering root, the size of a man's leg, with long, lanceo- 
late leaves, springing directly from the root, and an erect stem, 
from six to nine feet in height, rising from the midst of the 
leaves. It is thought by some botanists that the plant, from 
which Persian Asafetida is obtained, is Scorodosma foetidum. 
The drug is obtained from incisions made into the root, or by 
taking successive slices of it. The exuded juice is scraped off, 
hardened in the sun, and afterwards packed for exportation. 
It occurs in masses of varying size, consistence, and colour, but 
is usually whitish, intermixed with darker spots, and becomes 
reddish, and finally brown, by exposure to the air. It is some- 
times soft and adhesive, at other times hard and brittle, and is 
not readily powdered, except at a low temperature. It breaks 
with a waxy lustre, and the best samples appear to be composed 
of irregularly-shaped tears. Its taste is unpleasant, bitter, and 
acrid ; its odour powerful, alliaceous, and fetid. 

Asafetida is a gum-resin, united to a volatile oil. The gum 
is dissolved by water ; and the mucilage thus formed suspends 
the resin and volatile oil. The resin and volatile oil are solu- 
ble in alcohol ; but the tincture becomes milky on the addition 
of water, owing to the separation of the resin. 

Physiological Effects. — Asafetida, when taken into the 
stomach, produces a local stimulant and carminative effect. 
After absorption, it proves a moderate excitant and exhilarant, 
and exerts a marked influence upon morbid conditions of the 
nervous system. It also stimulates the mucous secretions gen- 
erally, and increases the peristaltic action of the bowels. Its 
volatile oil is absorbed, and the odorous principle is recognized 
in the secretions, especially in the perspiration. 

Medicinal Uses. — No medicine is more highly esteemed as a 
direct antispasmodic than asafetida. It is much resorted to 



lOtf MATERIA MEDICA. 

in the various forms of hysteria, and is particularly valuable in 
relieving the mental depression which constitutes one of the 
protean types of this disorder. In other spasmodic diseases, 
as chorea, asthma, whooping-cough, &c, it is a favorite remedy 
with many practitioners ; and, from its combined expectorant 
and antispasmodic properties, it is particularly adapted to spas- 
modic pectoral affections. In certain diseases of the abdominal 
viscera, as flatulent colic and costiveness, asafetida is often 
useful as an antispasmodic and laxative enema. It is also pre- 
scribed as a stimulating emmenagogue, when the uterine disorder 
is attended with a disturbance of the nervous functions. 

Notwithstanding its disagreeable odour, this drug is largely 
used as a condiment in Asia ; and, even in the refined cookery 
of Europe, its flavour is admired. Many persons take it habit- 
ually for its exhilarant effects ; and, when used as a medicine, 
it generally becomes acceptable. 

Administration. — Dose, gr. v to 3j, in pill. It is most fre- 
quently given in the form of mixture {Mistura Asafoetidos, — 
5ij, rubbed gradually with water Oss), — dose, foss to fgj, re- 
peated, or as an enema, foij to f§iv. This mixture, from its 
whiteness and opacity, is sometimes called lac asafoetidoz, or 
milk of asafetida. Pills of asafetida, made by beating up 
three parts of asafetida with one part of soap and a little water, 
are officinal, each pill containing 3 grains of the gum-resin. 
The tincture (four troyounces to alcohol Oij — dose f5j), is a 
good preparation, where the alcohol is not objectionable. A 
plaster is used externally in whooping-cough and catarrh ; it is 
made by dissolving twelve troyounces of asafetida and six troy- 
ounces of galbanum in three pints of alcohol, evaporating to the 
consistence of honey, and to this adding twelve troyounces of 
lead-plaster and six troyounces of yellow wax, previously melted 
together. Suppositories of Asafetida are made by mixing a 
fluidounce of the tincture, evaporated to the consistence of a 
thick syrup, with 320 grains of oil of theobroma. 



AMMONIAC. 107 



GALBANUM. 



Galbanum is a gum-resin obtained from an undetermined 
Eastern plant. It is met with in the form of tears, or more 
commonly in lumps, of a brownish colour, and has a peculiar 
balsamic odour, and a hot, bitter, acrid taste. It is a gum- 
resin united to a volatile oil. Its effects are similar to those 
of asafetida, but less active ; and it is chiefly employed ex- 
ternally, as a stimulant and resolvent to indolent swellings. 
The compound pills of galbanum are used as antispasmodic 
and emmenagogue ; they are made by beating into a pilular 
mass thirty-six grains of galbanum and myrrh, each, and twelve 
grains of asafetida, with a little syrup, the mass to be divided 
into 24 pills, — dose, 3 to 5 pills. Galbanum forms the basis 
of the compound galbanum plaster, which contains eight parts 
of galbanum, one part of turpentine, three parts of Burgundy 
pitch, and thirty-six parts of plaster of lead. 

AMMONIA CUM — AMMONIAC. 

This is a gum-resinous exudation obtained from Dorema 
Ammoniacum (Nat. Ord. Apiacese), a plant of Persia. It 
comes in tears or lumps, of an irregular shape, yellowish on 
the outside, whitish within, is moderately hard and brittle, and 
has an unpleasant, bitter, and rather acrid taste, with a pe- 
culiar smell, somewhat like that of galbanum. It is a gum- 
resin, with a little volatile oil. Its effects are similar to those 
of asafetida ; but it is seldom used, except as an antispasmodic 
expectorant in chronic catarrh. Dose, gr. x to xxx. A 
mixture and plaster are officinal. The mixture has the same 
formula as mixture of asafetida ; the plaster is made by dis- 
solving five troyounces of ammoniac in half a pint of diluted 
acetic acid, straining, and evaporating to a proper consistence. 
A plaster of ammoniac with mercury is also officinal. 



10$ MATERIA MEDICA. 



VALERIANA — VALERIAN. 

Valeriana officinalis, or Wild Valerian (Nat. Ord. Valeri- 
anacea?), is a perennial European plant, growing to the height 
of three or four feet, with serrated leaves, and small, reddish- 
white, fragrant flow r ers. The root is the portion used, and 
consists of numerous long, slender, cylindrical fibres, attached 
to a rough, tuberculated head. The colour of the dried root 
externally is yellowish or brown, and internally white ; when 
powdered, it is yellowish-gray. It has a peculiar, powerful 
odour, of w T hich cats are fond, and a bitterish, subacrid, aro- 
matic taste. Water and alcohol extract its virtues, which 
depend on the presence of a volatile oil, from which a peculiar 
colourless, volatile acid, called valerianic, may be separated. 

Effects and Uses. — Valerian generally acts as an energetic- 
excitant and antispasmodic, although at times it makes but a 
feeble impression on the system. It is much used as a nervous 
excitant and antispasmodic in the various forms of hysteria, 
and occasionally, also, in epilepsy, chorea, hemicrania, hypo- 
chondriasis, delirium tremens, &c. 

Dose of the powder, from 5ss to 5jss, three or four times a 
day ; of the infusion (half a troyounce to Oj of water), f §j to 
ij ; of the tincture (four troy ounces to diluted alcohol Oij), f oj ; 
of the ammoniated tincture (four troyounces to aromatic spirit 
of ammonia Oij — an excellent preparation), f 5j to ij ; of the 
fluid extract, foj ; of the extract (alcoholic), gr. x to xxx ; of 
the oil, 4 or 5 drops. 

Acidum Valerianicum (Valerianic Acid), (HC 5 H 9 2 ), 
which is found in valerian-root, is usually prepared artificially 
by the action of bichromate of potassium and sulphuric acid 
upon amylic alcohol, and occurs as an oily, colourless liquid, of 
a caustic taste and strong odour, resembling, but different from 
that of valerian. It is used for the manufacture of 

Ammonii Valerianas ( Valerianate of Ammonium). — This 
salt, made by combining valerianic acid with ammonia (ob- 
tained by the reaction of lime upon chloride of ammonium), 



SKULLCAP. 109 

occurs in snow-white, quadrangular plates, of an offensive 
odour like that of valerianic acid, and a sharp, sweetish taste. 
It deliquesces in a moist air, effloresces in a dry one, and is 
very soluble both in water and alcohol. Potassa and the 
mineral acids decompose it. It is much employed in neu- 
ralgia, nervous headache, hysteria, chorea, epilepsy, &c. Dose, 
gr. ij-viij, given in coated pills ; or an elixir, prepared with 
aromatics,* may be used. 

CYPRIPEDIUM. 

The root of Cypripedium pubescens and of Cypripediuin 
parviflorum [Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae), common indigenous plants, 
known under the names of ladies' slipper, and moccasin plant, 
are recognized in the secondary list of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
They grow to the height of one or two feet, with large many- 
nerved, plaited leaves, and large handsome flowers resembling 
the Indian moccasin ; C. pubescens [yellow ladies' slipper), has 
yellow flowers. The dried root is several inches long, bent, with 
a small knotted, dark head, and numerous fibres of a yellow- 
ish-brown colour, an aromatic odour, and a bitter, sweetish, 
somewhat pungent taste. It contains a volatile oil and bitter 
principle, and has been used as a substitute for valerian. Dose 
of the poivdered root, gr. xv, three times a day. An infusion 
and tincture are also used ; by precipitating the tincture with 
water, an oleoresin is obtained, of which the dose is half a grain 
to three grains. 

SCUTELLARI A — S KULLCAP. 

The herb of Scutellaria lateriflora (Nat. Ord. Labiatae), an 
indigenous perennial herb, found in moist localities, growing to 
the height of one or two feet, with ovate, acute, dentate, petio- 
late, opposite leaves, and small pale-blue flowers in leafy 
racemes, is considered by many American practitioners to pos- 

* Take of valerianate of ammonium, ^i ; fluid extract of vanilla, f^ss ; 
cd. tinct. of cardamom, f ^vi ; cura<joa, f^ij ; water, f^iv; mix. Dose, a 
teaspoonful three times a day. 



110 MATERIA MEDICA. 

sess valuable antispasmodic qualities. An infusion (two troy- 
ounces to boiling water Oj) may be taken ad libitum ; and a 
fluid extract is also used. S. pilosa and 'integrifolia have a 
more bitter taste, and have been used as tonics. 



DRACONTIU M — S KUNK-CABBAGE. 

Dracontium foetidum, Ictodes foetidus, Symplocarpus foetidus, 
or Skunk-Cabbage (Nat. Ord. Aracese), is an indigenous plant, 
growing in moist situations, which flowers in April and May, 
and afterwards sends up numerous large and luxuriant leaves. 
The fresh root has a strong, fetid odour and an acrid taste, 
but loses these properties by being kept. It is stimulant, anti- 
spasmodic, and narcotic, and is employed in hysteria, asthma, 
chronic catarrh, &c. Dose, gr. x to xx, gradually increased. 
It is also given in the form of infusion. The leaves are used 
in the country to keep up the discharge from blistered surfaces, 
and to stimulate indolent ulcers. 

The following vegetable substances, used as articles of diet, 
may be ranked also with antispasmodics. 

I. Thea — Tea, the dried leaves of Thea Chinensis {Nat. 
Ord. Ternstromiacese), an evergreen shrub of China and 
Japan, whence the markets of the world are supplied. The 
most important constituents of tea are essential oil (upon 
which the flavour depends), tannic acid, and a crystalline, vola- 
tilizable, nitrogenous alkaloid principle, termed theina. 

II. Caffea — Coffee, the seed of Coffea Arabica (Nat. Ord. 
Cinchonacese), a small tree, which is a native of Southern 
Arabia and Abyssinia, and is cultivated in various tropical and 
semi-tropical countries. Coffee contains a nitrogenous prin- 
ciple, caffeina (C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 +H 2 O), which is considered to be 
identical with theina, and two peculiar principles, one resem- 
bling tannin, termed eaffeo-tannic acid, and the other termed 
eaffeic acid. The volatile oil, upon which the flavour depends, 
is developed by roasting. Coffee may be used for the general 
indications of antispasmodics, and is besides especially effica- 



MUSK. Ill 

cious in relieving the sopor produced by opium poisoning. 
Both tea and coffee lessen the uric acid and increase the urea 
in the urine. The valerianate of caffeina is a good remedy in 
hysterical vomiting, in the dose of 1 to 2 grains repeated. 

III. Theobroma — Chocolate (noticed more at length under 
the head of demulcents — see Oil of Theobroma) contains a 
nitrogenous principle, theobromia, nearly identical in composi- 
tion with caffeina (C 7 H 8 N 4 2 +H 2 0). 

IV. Erythroxylon Coca — Coca. — The leaves of this plant, 
a shrub, about six feet in height, have long been used as a 
masticatory by the Indians in Peru, for the purpose of enabling 
them to undergo fatigue, hunger, and thirst. Statements have 
been recently made of the medicinal efficacy of this substance 
as a nervous stimulant, in doses of half an ounce, in infusion. 
An alkaloid principle, termed cocaina, has been found in coca. 

Y. Paullinia — Guarana. — This occurs in chocolate-col- 
oured cylinders, which are worked up from the fruit of Paul- 
linia Sorbilis {Nat Ord. Sapindacese), a plant of Brazif, where 
it is used to make a common and highly-esteemed beverage. It 
contains more caffeina than any other vegetable substance. It is 
recommended medicinally, as a tonic, astringent, and antispas- 
modic, and has been found especially useful in sick headache ; 
dose, one or two drachms, or an alcoholic extract may be given 
"in doses of ten or twenty grains. 

VI. Mate. — Under this name, the dried leaves of Ilex 
Paraguaiensis, a small tree or shrub of Paraguay, cultivated 
also in other parts of South America, are extensively used in 
preparing a beverage throughout the Atlantic region of that 
continent. Paraguay tea, as it is termed, has a balsamic odour 
and bitter taste, and contains a principle identical with caffeina 
and theina, and also tannic acid. 



MOSCHU S — M U S K. 

Musk is a peculiar concrete secretion obtained from Mos- 
chus moschiferus, the Musk Deer, an animal rather larger than 
the goat, and resembling the deer in its characters, which in- 



112 MATERIA MEDICA. 

habits the mountainous portions of Central Asia. The rnusk- 
bag is found only in the male, and lies between the umbilicus 
and prepuce. It is an oval pod, about two and a half inches 
long, and one and a half broad, flat on one side, and convex 
and hairy on the other, and in a full-grown animal contains 
from 5jss to ovj of a liquid secretion, which, when dried, is 
musk. Two kinds are known in commerce, t the China and the 
Russia Musk, the former of which is much the stronger. 

Musk occurs in grains or lumps concreted together, of a red- 
dish brown colour, and has usually some hairs of the pod mixed 
with it. It has a powerful, diffusive, aromatic odour and a bit- 
terish taste. It is inflammable, leaving a light spongy char- 
coal. On analysis, it yields ammonia and a variety of other 
constituents, but the odorous principle has not been isolated. 
It is partially soluble in water and alcohol, and completely so 
in ether. 

Owing to its high price, musk is greatly sophisticated. 
Sometimes artificial pods are met with, which may be distin- 
guished from the genuine, by the absence of the remains of the 
penis, and-of an aperture in the middle of the hairy coat. The 
musk itself is more frequently adulterated, by mixture with 
dried blood, and a variety of substances. Indeed, little if any 
genuine musk is found in the shops. 

Effects and Uses. — Musk is a powerful excitant and anti- 
spasmodic, without much effect on the cerebral functions. If a 
pure article could be obtained, it would have no superior as a 
direct antispasmodic in the treatment of essential nervous dis- 
orders — hysteria, epilepsy, chorea, and hiccough, and as a com- 
bined excitant and antispasmodic in the latter stages of typhus, 
find in typhoid pneumonia. But it is now little prescribed, 
owing to the difficulty of procuring it good. 

Administration. — It may be given in the form of bolus or 
emulsion. Dose, gr. x, to be repeated every two or three 
hours. 

An article, termed Artificial Musk, is made by the addi- 
tion of one part of rectified oil of amber to three parts of 
nitric acid. It resembles musk both in sensible and medicinal 



RECTIFIED OIL OF AMBER. 113 

properties, and it has been prescribed in its stead, in the same 
dose. 



CASTOREU M — C A S T R. 

This is a peculiar concrete substance, found in membra- 
neous follicles, which exist between the anus and external geni- 
tals of the Castor fiber, or Beaver. It occurs in the form of 
solid unctuous masses, contained in pairs of sacks about two 
inches in length, of a brownish-black colour externally, and of a 
reddish-brown colour internally. It has a peculiar, penetrating, 
disagreeable smell, and a bitter, acrid, nauseous taste. It is 
soluble in alcohol and ether. Castor contains, with other mat- 
ters, a volatile oil, a peculiar neutral crystalline substance, 
termed castorin, and salicin, the bitter principle of the willow. 
According to many authorities, the oil is a derivative of salicin. 

Effects and Uses. — Castor is moderately excitant and anti- 
spasmodic, and is very analogous in its effects to musk. It is 
not much used. Dose of castor in substance, gr. x to gr. xx ; 
of the tincture (two troyounces to alcohol Oij), f5j to f5ij. 



OLEUM SUCCINI RECTIFICATUM — RECTIFIED OIL OF 

AMBER. 

Amber, Succinum, is a sort of fossil resin found in various 
parts of the world, and comes to this country from the shores 
of the Baltic. It is a hard, brittle substance, usually translu- 
cent, and of a pale golden-yellow colour, insipid, and inodorous, 
except when heated. By distillation, it yields an oil, oil of 
amber {oleum succini), which, when rectified (by the distillation 
of one part of the oil with six parts of water), is employed 
medicinally. The oil is nearly colourless at first, but gradually 
becomes brown, has a strong, peculiar odour, and a pungent, 
acrid taste. It is soluble in alcohol. An acid called succinic 
is also obtained from amber. 

Effects and Uses. — Oil of amber is excitant and antispas- 
modic, and has been used in hysteria, epilepsy, tetanus, per- 



114 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tussis, hiccough, and amenorrhoea. It is chiefly employed as 
an external application, and is a good remedy in pertussis and 
convulsions of children. Dose of the oil, gtt. v to gtt. xv, given 
in emulsion. For external use, it may be mixed with three or 
four parts of olive oil and brandy, with one part of laudanum 
added. 



OLEUM JTHEREUM — ETHEREAL OIL. 

This substance, known also as oil of wine, is a result of the 
distillation of alcohol with a large excess of sulphuric acid ; it 
is afterwards mixed with an equal volume of stronger ether. 
It is a transparent, nearly colourless, volatile liquid, of a pecu- 
liar, aromatic, ethereal odour, and sharp, bitter taste, sparingly 
soluble in water, but readily dissolved by alcohol or ether. 
Sp. gr. 0.91. It has antispasmodic properties, but is used in 
medicine only as an ingredient of the Compound Spirit of 
Ether. 



SPIRITUS ^THERIS COMPO SITUS — COMPOUND 
SPIRIT OF ETHER. 

This preparation, known as Hoffman's Anodyne, is a solu- 
tion of ethereal oil (f5vj), in ether (Oss), and alcohol (Oj). It 
is a colourless, volatile, inflammable liquid, having an aromatic, 
ethereal odour, and a burning, slightly sweetish taste. It 
becomes milky on being mixed with water, owing to the pre- 
cipitation of the ethereal oil. 

Effects and Uses. — Hoffman's Anodyne has the antispas- 
modic and stimulant effects of ether, and derives additional 
tranquillizing and anodyne properties from the ethereal oil 
present ; it is also an efficient carminative. It is much used in 
hysteria, and is often added to laudanum, to prevent the nausea 
which the latter sometimes excites. Dose, f5j to foij, in sweet- 
ened water. 



TONICS. 115 



ORDER IV, — TONICS. 



Tonics, called also corroborants, are medicines which produce 
a gradual and permanent increase of nervous vigour. It is only, 
however, in certain conditions of disease that they manifest this 
invigorating influence ; as, in a state of health, they often act 
as irritants, or even nauseants. Their local effects are similar 
to their general effects. They exalt the nervous functions of 
the parts to which they are applied, and increase their firmness 
and density. When taken into the stomach, they produce a 
twofold corroborant effect, improving the digestive powers by 
their local action, and strengthening the system generally by 
their cerebro-spinal influence. 

Tonics differ from stimulants only in the more permanent 
character of their effects. The more powerful tonics are 
closely allied to the narcotics in their action, producing, in 
overdoses, giddiness, loss of sight and of hearing, convulsions, 
delirium, and even death. And this analogy is further illus- 
trated by the curative power of tonics in the relief of painful 
and spasmodic diseases, as neuralgia, rheumatism, chorea, and 
epilepsy. 

The articles of this class may be divided into vegetable and 
mineral tonics. The vegetable tonics are characterized by 
bitterness ; and it is said that they owe their bitterness and 
medicinal activity to a principle which has been termed bitter 
extractive. It is doubtful, however, whether any such proxi- 
mate principle has really been obtained. The mineral tonics 
unite astringent with tonic properties ; and the preparations of 
iron produce a further corroborant effect, by increasing the red 
colouring matter of the blood. 

The therapeutic application of tonics comprises a diversified 
range of diseases. They are employed as stomachics in dys- 
pepsia, and as general corroborants, in convalescence from acute 
diseases, in chronic affections accompanied by marasmus and 
cachexia, in exhaustion and debility, in typhus and gangrene, 
and in typhoid conditions of the system generally. But their 



116 MATERIA MEDICA. 

most striking and valuable powers are shown in their febrifuge 
influence upon miasmatic diseases. The modus medendi here 
is obscure, but the curative agency is undoubtedly due to a 
powerful impression upon the central organs of the nervous 
system. The antineuralgic and antispasmodic properties of 
tonics have already been alluded to. They also enjoy consider- 
able reputation in the treatment of chronic bowel-complaints, 
where they act by restoring tone to the debilitated intestinal 
tube ; and, on the other hand, they are often useful as laxatives 
in torpid conditions of the alimentary canal. 

VEGETABLE TONICS. 

The vegetable tonics may be arranged into three sections, 
viz.: 1. The pure bitters. 2. The aromatic bitters, which 
contain a stimulant volatile oil, and are aromatic as well as 
tonic. 3. The astringent bitters, which contain tannic and 
gallic acids, and are both astringent and tonic : this group 
contains cinchona, the most powerful and important of the 
vegetable tonics. The bitter principle is found also in many 
medicines belonging to other classes, as rhubarb, aloes, taraxa- 
cum, &c, and gives them tonic properties. 

SIMPLE BITTERS. 
QUASSIA. 

Quassia is the wood of Simaruba excelsa (Nat. Ord. Simaru- 
baceae), a lofty tree of Jamaica and other West India islands. 
It is imported from the West Indies in billets of various sizes, 
which are found in the shops in the form of chips or raspings. 
Externally, it is covered with a smooth, brittle bark ; the wood 
is white, but becomes yellowish by exposure. It has no odour, 
but an intensely permanently bitter taste. Water and alcohol 
extract* its virtues, which are said to depend on a neutral prin- 
ciple termed quassin (C 10 H 12 O 2 ). 

The article originally known as Quassia was the root and 



GOLDTHREAD. 117 

wood of Quassia amara, a shrub of Surinam, but this does not 
now reach our markets. It is thought to have possessed much 
more decided tonic properties than the drug now found in 
commerce. 

Effects and Uses. — Quassia is a mild tonic, free from stimu- 
lant or astringent effects, and is employed principally in dys- 
pepsia, want of appetite, and other stomachic affections. It is 
much used to give additional bitterness to malt liquors. Dose, 
in powder, 3j to 5j» three or four times a day; but the best 
form of administration is that of infusion (5ij in water Oj), in 
doses of f Sjss to f §iij ; the infusion is a good remedy for asca- 
rides, given by injection. An extract (aqueous) is given in the 
dose of gr. v, but it is principally used as an excipient for the 
administration of the mineral tonics. Of the tincture (two 
troyounces to diluted alcohol Oij), the dose is f5j to f3ij. 

SIMARUBA. 

Simaruba is the bark of the root of Simaruba officinalis 
(Nat. Ord. Simarubacese), a tall tree of Jamaica and many 
parts of South America. It occurs in long pieces of various 
sizes, which are much rolled or quilled, of a brownish-yellow 
colour externally, and yellow internally. It contains a bitter 
principle, analogous to quassin, and resembles quassia in its 
medicinal effects. 

COPTIS — GOLDTHREAD. 

Coptis trifolia, or Goldthread {Nat. Ord. Ranunculacese), is 
a small, evergreen, herbaceous plant, resembling the strawberry- 
vine, with perennial creeping roots, slender stems, round ter- 
nate leaves, and a single small, white flower, which appears 
through the spring till midsummer. It belongs to the northern 
regions of America and Asia, and abounds in swampy places 
in Canada and New England. The parts used are the roots, 
which should be gathered in autumn, and carefully dried. 
They are of a bright-golden colour, and give the name by which 
the plant is commonly known. They contain the alkaloid her- 



118 MATERIA MEDICA. 

berina. The roots of a variety of coptis, derived from Assam, 
in Asia, Coptis tecta, have been introduced into Europe; they 
possess analogous properties to those of 0. trifolia. 

Fiff. 12. 




Effects and Uses. — Goldthread is a pure and powerful bitter, 
similar in its effects to quassia, but much more palatable, and 
is a very good stomachic tonic. It is also employed in New 
England as a topical application in aphthous and other ulcera- 
tions of the mouth. It is usually given in the form of tincture 
(a troyounce to diluted alcohol Oj), in the dose of f 5j, and of 
infusion (half a troyounce to water Oj) ; these preparations are 
not, however, officinal. 

GENTIAN A — GENTIAN. 

Gentian is the root of Gentiana lutea or Yellow Gentian 
(Nat. Ord. Gentianacese), a perennial plant of the mountainous 
parts of Central and Southern Europe, growing to the height 
of two or three feet, with broad, ovate, opposite leaves, and 
handsome whorled, yellow flowers. It is imported in cylindri- 



AMERICAN COLUMBO. 119 

cal, branched, twisted pieces, of various sizes, marked by trans- 
verse annular wrinkles and longitudinal furrows. Externally, 
it is grayish-brown, internally, brownish yellow, and of a soft 
spongy texture. Its odour in the fresh state is peculiar and 
disagreeable, but, when dried, feeble ; its taste is slightly sweet- 
ish and intensely bitter. Water and alcohol extract its virtues. 
It contains a peculiar oil and acid (gentisin or gentisic acid, 
C 14 H 10 O 5 ), pectin, grape sugar, and a bitter principle, termed 
gentiopicrin or gentianin, (C 40 H 30 O 24 ), which is crystallizable, 
soluble in water and alcohol, and ranks with the glucosides. 
Other species of gentian are employed as substitutes for the 
yellow gentian. 

Effects and Uses. — Gentian is a pure bitter, without either 
astringency or much aroma. In full doses it is more disposed 
to relax the bowels than the other simple bitters ; and, like 
others of the vegetable tonics, in excessive doses, it is capable 
of producing narcotic effects. It is an admirable stomachic in 
dyspepsia and gastric disorders, and is also used in the various 
forms of constitutional debility. 

Administration. — In the form of powder, the dose is gr. x to 
5ss. But it is usually given in the form of compound infusion 
(half a troyounce to water foxiv, with alcohol fgij, and bitter 
orange-peel and coriander, each 5j), dose, f§i, 3 or 4 times a 
day ; compound tincture (tinctura Gentianse composita, gentian, 
two troyounces, bitter orange-peel, a troyounce, cardamom, half 
a troyounce, to diluted alcohol Oij), in the dose of f5j to f5ij ; 
extract (aqueous), in the dose of gr. x to 5ss ; &&& fluid extract, 
in the dose of f5ss-j. 

ERASER A — A MERICAN COLUMBO. 

The root of Frasera Walteri (Nat. Ord. Gentianacese), an 
elegant plant of our Southern and Western States, may be used 
as a substitute for gentian and columbo. It contains the same 
active constituents as gentian, viz., gentianin and gentisic acid. 
Dose, 5ss-5j ; or an infusion (a troyounce to boiling water 
Oj), may be given. 



120 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



SABBATH. 



Sabbatia angularis, American Centaury, or Centaury (Nat. 
Or J. Grentianaceae), is a very common annual indigenous plant, 
with an erect stem, one to two feet high, opposite ovate leaves, 



Fig. 13, 




and numerous terminal flowers of a rich rose-colour, nearly white 
in the centre. It is found in low meadow-grounds or neglected 
fields in most parts of the United States, and flowers in August 
and September. The herb is officinal, and should be gathered 
while in flower. It has a very bitter taste, and yield its virtues 
to both water and alcohol. 

Effects and Uses. — Centaury is a pure bitter, with no as- 
tringency, and very little aroma. It is an excellent stomachic, 
and may be used also as a general corroborant. It is said to 
act as an emmenagogue when given in warm infusion, and, 
-ike the bitters generally, has had anthelmintic properties 



COLUMBO. 121 

ascribed to it. The best form of exhibiting it is infusion (a 
trojounce to boiling water Oj), of which the dose is a wine- 
glassful when cool; of the powder 5ss to 5j may be given. 



CALUMB A — C L U M B . 

Columbo is now generally ascribed by botanists to two 
species of plants known as Jateorrhiza palmata and Jateorrhiza 
Calumba (Nat. Oral. Menispermacese), designated by some 
writers still under the old name of cocculus palmatus, climb- 
ing plants of Mozambique, on the south-eastern coast of Africa. 
The boot is the officinal portion, and is known in Africa under 
the name of Calumb. It consists of fleshy tubers, with numer- 
ous offsets, which are the portions used, the main root being 
too fibrous. They are sliced, strung on cords, and dried in 
the sun ; and are found in the shops in round pieces about a 
quarter of an inch thick, externally of a brown, wrinkled ap- 
pearance, and internally yellow. The odour is slightly aro- 
matic, and the taste very bitter. Owing to the starch which is 
found in columbo, it is liable to be worm-eaten. It contains, 
besides a large proportion of starch, a peculiar azotized sub- 
stance, and two bitter principles, colombin and berberina. 
"Water and alcohol take up its virtues ; and, from its liability to 
attract moisture from the air, it should not be kept in the form 
of powder. 

Effects and Uses. — Columbo is a very agreeable demulcent 
tonic, particularly acceptable to the stomach, and hence well 
adapted to the convalescent stages of acute disorders of the 
bowels and of fevers. It is also a good preparation in the sick- 
ness of pregnant women, and is one of the best of the stomachics 
in all cases where there is unusual delicacy of the stomach. 
In its native country, it is much employed in the treatment of 
dysentery. 

Administration. — The dose of the powder is gr. x to gr. 
xxx. It is best given in the form of infusion (half a troy- 
ounce to boiling water Oj, dose, fgj to fgij), which should be 
used at once, as it is liable to spoil. Of the tincture (four troy- 



122 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ounces to diluted alcohol Oiij), f5j to f5iv may be given. 
Of the fluid extract (a fluidounce of which contains a troyounce), 
the dose is f5ss-i. Columbo is often combined with aromatics, 
iron, and alkalies, and is sometimes added to purgative mix- 
tures. 

Berberina (C 20 H ir NO 4 ), the alkaloid found in Columbo, is 
widely diffused in the vegetable kingdom, and is obtained from 
numerous plants of the natural orders Berberacece, Menisper- 
macece, and Ranunculacece, as barberry, yellow-root, hydrastis, 
goldthread, and others. It has been employed, in the form of 
muriate and sulphate, as a tonic and febrifuge, in doses of from 
one to ten grains. 

CHIRETTA. 

The herb and root of Agathotes Chirayta (Wat. Ord. Gen- 
tianacese), an East Indian plant, found in the northern moun- 
tainous parts of India, have been introduced into European 
and American practice, under the name of Chiretta or Chirayta, 
where it now ranks among the best simple bitters. Although, 
however, the entire plant is the article of the Pharmacopoeia, 
yet, as found in commerce, it consists chiefly of the roots and 
bare stems, with but a few fragments of the leaves and flowers 
or capsules still attached. Chiretta contains a peculiar bitter 
neutral substance, termed cfiiratin ; in medicinal properties, it 
resembles gentian, and may be used in the same way. 

XANTHORRIZA — YELLOW-ROOT. 

The root of Xanthorriza Apiifolia [Nat. Ord,. Ranuncula- 
cese), an indigenous shrub, of our Southern and Western 
States, is a good simple bitter, which agrees very well with the 
stomach. 



SERPENTARIA. 



123 



AROMATIC BITTERS. 
SERPENTARIA. 



The roots of several species of Aristolochia are known 
under the name of Virginia Snakeroot. The most familiar is 

[Fig. 14. 




A. serpentaria (Wat. Ord. Aristolochiacese), an herbaceous in- 
digenous plant, with a perennial root, composed of numerous 
slender fibres, arising from a knotty, brown head, one or more 
stems, eight or ten inches in height, heart-shaped, pointed, 
yellowish-green leaves, and purple, tubular flowers, springing 
up close to the root. It grows in our Southern and South- 



1*24 MATERIA MEDICA. 

eastern States, in shady woods and on hill-sides, flowering in 
May and June ; but, from the great demand for the roots, it has 
become scarce. A. reticulata is a variety found in the South- 
western States. 

Virginia Snakeroot is found in the shops, in tufts of long, 
slender, matted fibres, attached to a knotty, rugged head. 
They are brittle, and of a yellowish-brown colour. The odour 
is aromatic and agreeable ; the taste somewhat pungent, bitter, 
and aromatic. Water and alcohol extract its virtues, which 
depend on the presence of a volatile oil and a bitter principle. 
The roots of A. reticulata are very commonly substituted for 
those of A. serpentaria, from which they differ only in the 
larger size of their fibres. They are quite equal to the latter, 
and are even thought to contain a larger proportion of volatile 
oil. 

Effects and Uses. — Virginia Snakeroot is a combined stimu- 
lant and tonic, with diuretic or diaphoretic properties, accord- 
ing to the mode of its administration. It is much used in the 
latter stages of fevers, and in other acute diseases, and is fre- 
quently combined with Peruvian bark, in the treatment of 
intermittents. The proper form of administration is that of 
infusion (half a troy ounce to boiling water Oj), in doses of foj 
to f§ij, repeated. Of the tincture (four troyounces to diluted 
alcohol Oij), the dose is f5j to f5ij ; of the fluid extract, foss- 
f5j. Huxhams Tincture contains serpentaria. 

ANTHEMI S — C HAMOMILE. 

Anthemis nobilis, or Chamomile (Nat. Ord. Asteracese), is a 
small, herbaceous, trailing European plant, cultivated exten- 
sively in both Europe and this country. The flowers are 
described by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia as the portion used, but 
the entire heads are really the commercial article. The 
flowers consist of small spheroids, with convex, yellow disks, 
and numerous white, spreading rays. By cultivation they be- 
come double. In Europe, the single heads are preferred, as 
the aromatic properties reside in the disks, which are larger in 



TH0R0UGHW0RT. 125 

the single-flowered wild plants ; but in this country, the culti- 
vated double heads, which are not inferior in tonic virtues, are 
used. Chamomile flowers have a bitter, aromatic taste, and a 
strong, peculiar odour, both of which are imparted to water 
and alcohol. They contain a volatile oil, bitter extractive, and 
a little tannic acid. 

Effects and Uses. — Chamomile, in small doses, is a mild, 
agreeable aromatic tonic, and, in large doses, acts as an emetic. 
The cold infusion is much employed as a stomachic, and the 
hot infusion is given to aid the operation of emetics. The 
flowers, boiled in water, form a good fomentation to inflamed 
parts. The usual form of administration is the infusion (half 
a troyounce to water Oj). Dose, as a stomachic, fSij, two or 
three times a day, cold ; as an emetic, hot, ad libitum. 

Cotula (Mayweed). Anthemis (or Maruta) cotula, Wild 
chamomile, or Mayweed (Nat. Ord. Asteracese), an herbaceous 
plant, indigenous in Europe, but extensively naturalized in the 
United States, resembles chamomile very closely, both in bo- 
tanical characters and in properties, and is used as a substitute 
for it in domestic practice. 

Matricaria (G-erman Chamomile). The flowers of Matri- 
caria chamomilla (Nat. Ord. Asteracese), an annual European 
plant, possess properties very similar to those of chamomile. 
They are considerably smaller than common chamomile, and 
have a larger proportion of disk florets compared with those of 
the ray. They are not much employed in this country. 

EUPATORIUM — THOROUGHWORT. 

Eupatorium perforatum, Boneset, or Thoroughwort (Nat. 
Ord. Asteracese), is a very common indigenous plant, growing 
in wet grounds in every part of the United States. It has a 
perennial root, with numerous herbaceous stems, from two to 
five feet high, long, narrow leaves, perforated by the stems, and 
numerous white flowers, forming a flattened summit to the plant, 



126 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



which appear in August, continuing in bloom till October. The 
leaves and tops are the officinal portion. They have a faint 

Fig. 15. 




odour, a strongly bitter taste, are soluble in water or alcohol, 
and contain a peculiar bitter principle, gum, tannic acid, resin, 
salts, and other matters. E. teucrifolium, E. aromaticum, and 
other native species, are almost identical in their properties with 
E. perfoliatum. 

Effects and Uses. — Thoroughwort is a stimulant tonic, dia- 
phoretic, and expectorant, and in large doses proves emetic and 
laxative. It is a good stomachic in dyspepsia, and, from its 
combined corroborant, expectorant, and diaphoretic properties, 
is an excellent remedy in epidemic influenza, and in the latter 
stages of pneumonia and bronchitis. It is also used with good 
effect in rheumatism, and in intermittent, remittent, and typhoid 
fevers, and toeniacide powers have been attributed to it. It 
should be given in infusion (a troyounce to boiling water Oj), 



TULIP-TREE BARK. 127 

foij of which may be taken cold, as a stomachic, three or four 
times a day, and in freer warm draughts as a diaphoretic. 



ABSINTHIUM — WORMWOOD. 

The tops and leaves of Artemisia Absinthium, or Worm- 
wood {Nat. Ord. Asteraceae), a European plant, naturalized in 
New England, are ranked among the aromatic bitters, but are 
not now much employed. They may be given in infusion (a 
troyounce to boiling water Oj) — not officinal. 

Wormwood contains an essential oil, which possesses narcotic 
properties, producing epileptiform convulsions, and, in large 
doses, is capable of causing fatal results. A liqueur, termed 
absinthe, containing the oil in question, is much used in France, 
with highly pernicious effects. 

magnolia. 

The barks of Magnolia glauca, Magnolia acuminata, and 
Magnolia tripetala {Nat. Ord. Magnoliacese), indigenous trees, 
remarkable for the beauty of their foliage, and the size and 
fragrance of their flowers, are officinal, and rank with the aro- 
matic bitters. The barks of the trunk, branches, and root, are 
alike officinal ; but those of the last are the most active. They 
contain a volatile oil, a green resin, and a peculiar crystalliz- 
able bitter principle. The aromatic property is impaired by 
drying, and is lost when the barks are long kept. 

They are used as gentle stimulant tonics and diaphoretics, in 
the low stages of fever, rheumatism, &c. An infusion may be 
given, but the best solvent is diluted alcohol. 

LIRIODENDRON — TULIP-TREE BARK. 

The bark of Liriodendron tulipifera, the Tulip-tree, or 
American Poplar {Nat. Ord. Magnoliacese), the well-known 
pride of the American forest, remarkable for its size, foliage, 
and beautiful tulip-shaped flowers, closely resembles those of 



128 MATERIA MEDICA. 

magnolia in its medicinal properties, but is less aromatic and 
more stimulant. It is said to contain a peculiar principle, 
termed liriodendrin. It may be given in powder, in the dose of 
3j to 5ij ; and in infusion, decoction, and tincture. 

ANGUSTURA. 

Angustura bark is derived from Galipea officinalis (Nat. 
Ord. Rutacese), a small tree of the district of country bordering 
on the Orinoco river, in South America. It occurs in pieces of 
various lengths and sizes; sometimes flat, sometimes slightly 
curved, but rarely entirely quilled. Externally, it is of a 
light-gray colour, and is covered with lichens, with a soft, 
spongy epidermis, which is readily scraped off; internally, the 
colour is yellowish-brown. It has a disagreeable smell, and a 
bitter, aromatic, somewhat pungent taste. It imparts its vir- 
tues to water and alcohol, and contains a volatile oil and a bit- 
ter principle, termed cusparin. The bark of Strychnos nux 
vomica has been sometimes mixed with Angustura bark, and is 
thence known as false angustura bark. 

Effects and Uses. — Angustura bark is a stimulant tonic, 
and in large doses acts on the stomach and bowels. From its 
liability to adulteration with the bark of Strychnos nux 
vomica, it has fallen into disuse, and it has no superiority over 
serpentaria, and others of the indigenous aromatic bitters. 
Dose, in powder, gr. x to 5ss ; of the infusion (half a troy- 
ounce to boiling water Oj), f§ij, repeated. 

CASCARILLA. 

This is the bark of Croton Eleuteria {Nat. Ord. Euphor- 
biacese), a small tree of the Bahamas and other West India 
islands. It occurs sometimes in the form of small thin frag- 
ments — sometimes in that of rolled pieces, one or two inches 
long, occasionally longer, and varying in size from that of a 
quill to that of the little finger. It is usually covered with 
a grayish-white rugous epidermis, and is of a brown colour 



YARROW. 129 

beneath. It has a warm, spicy, and bitter taste, and an aro- 
matic, agreeable odour, which is particularly fragrant when it 
is burned. It yields its properties to alcohol, and partially to 
water ; and contains volatile oil, resin, and a bitter principle, 
called cascarillin. 

Effects and Uses. — Cascarilla is a very pleasant aromatic 
bitter, causing neither vomiting nor purging, and hence agree- 
ing very well with the stomach. It may be given in powder, 
in the dose of 3j to 5ss ; but this is a less agreeable form than 
the infusion (a troy ounce to boiling water Oj), of which the 
dose is f^ij. 

C A NELL A. 

This is the bark of Canella alba (Nat. Ord. Meliacese), a 
large tree of the West Indies and South America. It comes 
in quilled pieces of a whitish-yellow colour, or in flat frag- 
ments, which are thicker and darker. It has an aromatic 
odour, and a warm, pungent, aromatic, and somewhat bitter 
taste. It imparts its virtues to alcohol, and partially to water ; 
and contains volatile oil, resin, bitter extractive, gum, &c. 

Effects and Uses. — An aromatic tonic, little employed ex- 
cept in combination. Pulvis Aloes et Canella? (Powder of 
Aloes and Canella), popularly known as hiera picra, consists of 
aloes four parts, canella one part ; dose, gr. x to $j. 

ACHILLEA— YARROW. 

Achillea Millefolium, Milfoil, or Yarrow (Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite Senecionideae), a perennial herb, common to the old and 
new continents, growing to the height of twelve or eighteen 
inches, with doubly pinnate, minutely divided leaves, and whitish 
flowers, possesses mild stimulant tonic properties, with some 
astringency. The leaves and flowering tops are the portion 
to be employed. Of the infusion, made in the proportion of an 
ounce to the pint, a wine-glassful or more may be given. It 
yields a volatile oil, which has been used in the dose of 20 or 
30 drops. 

9 



130 MATERIA MEDICA. 



ASTRINGENT BITTERS. 
CINCHONA. 

The name Cinchona (derived from the Countess of Chin- 
chon, "wife of a viceroy of Peru) is applied to the bark of dif- 
ferent species of Cinchona (JS r at. Ord. Cinchonacese), large 
trees which grow in the mountainous regions of the western 
portions of South America, from the nineteenth degree of south 
latitude to about the tenth degree of north latitude. Three 
principal varieties of cinchona are known in commerce : Cin- 
chona Flaya (Yellow Bark), called in commerce Calisaya 
Bark, derived from Cinchona Calisaya ; Cinchona Pallida 
[Pale Bark), called in commerce Loxa and Lima Bark, derived 
from Cinchona Condaminea and Cinchona Micrantha; and Cin- 
chona Rubra (Red Bark), derived from Cinchona Succirubra. 
The Pharmacopoeia now recognizes, however, as officinal the 
barks of all species of the genus Cinchona, which contain at 
least two per cent, of the proper cinchona alkaloids. 

Peruvian Bark is brought to the United States from the 
Pacific ports of South America. It is obtained by stripping 
the trunks and branches of the Cinchona trees during the dry 
season, and is dried by exposure to the sun, during which pro- 
cess the smaller pieces usually become quilled. 

1. The Yellow or Calisaya Bark comes both in quilled and 
flat pieces. The former are from three or four inches to a foot 
and a half long, from a quarter of an inch to two or three 
inches in diameter, and of variable thickness. They have a 
brownish epidermis (with longitudinal wrinkles and trans- 
verse fissures), which possesses none of the virtues of the 
bark. The bark itself is one or two lines thick, compact, of a 
short, fibrous texture, and when broken presents shining points. 
The flat pieces, which are derived from the larger branches and 
trunk, are usually destitute o epidermis, are more roughly 
marked externally, and are of a browner hue than the quilled 
pieces. They are also less compact, less bitter, and of less 
medicinal virtue. The yellow bark is distinguished from the 



CINCHONA. 131 

other barks by its much more bitter taste; its comparative 
freedom from astringency ; its brownish-yellow, somewhat 
orange colour, which is still brighter in the powder ; and by 
containing a large proportion of quinia with very little cin- 
ch onia. 

2. The Pale Bark comes in cylindrical pieces of variable 
length, sometimes singly, sometimes doubly quilled, from two 
lines to an inch in diameter, and from half a line to two or 
three lines in thickness — the best kinds being about the size of 
a goose-quill. Their exterior surface is rough, marked with 
fissures, and of a grayish colour, owing to adhering lichens. 
Their interior surface is of a cinnamon colour, and, in the finer 
sorts, smooth. The colour of the powder is a pale fawn. The 
taste is moderately bitter, and somewhat astringent ; the odour 
feeble, but rather aromatic in the powder and decoction. The 
pale barks, of which there are two varieties, Loxa Bark and 
Huanuco or Lima Bark, contain a much larger proportion of 
cinchonia than of quinia ; and, from their yielding little quinia, 
have fallen into disuse in the United States. 

3. The Red Bark usually comes in large, thick, flat pieces ; 
sometimes also in quills from half an inch to two inches in 
diameter. They are covered with a reddish-brown, rugged 
epidermis, beneath which is a dark-red, brittle, and compact 
layer, the interior parts being woody and fibrous, and of a 
lively brownish-red colour. The taste of red bark is bitter and 
astringent ; its odour not different from that of the other barks ; 
its powder is reddish. It contains considerable quantities both 
of quinia and cinchonia. 

Under the name of Carthagena Barks, several common 
varieties of cinchona were long brought to this country from 
the northern Atlantic ports, of South America. They were 
of inferior quality, and were therefore not recognized by the 
Pharmacopoeias ; but, since the reduced supply and consequent 
high price of the Calisaya bark, large quantities of very good 
bark have been imported from New Granada, and are now used 
in the manufacture of quinia, under the name of Colombian 
barks. 



132 MATERIA MEDICA. 

"Within a few years, the cultivation of several varieties of 
Cinchona trees has been successfully introduced into Southern 
India and the islands of Ceylon and Java, and valuable speci- 
mens of red bark (the product of C. succirubra), equal to that 
of South America, have been sent to Europe ; and, lately, a 
new variety, C. officinalis, of rapid growth, has been success- 
fully cultivated. 

Chemical Constituents. — The most important constituents of 
cinchona are two alkaloid principles, termed quinia and cin- 
chonia, which exist chiefly in combination with an acid called 
kinic. These alkaloids are found in different proportions in 
the different barks, quinia being obtained from the yellow bark 
most abundantly, cinchonia from the pale bark, and the two 
principles in about equal proportion from the red bark. Two 
other valuable alkaloids, quinidia and cinchonidia, are found 
(also as hinaies) most abundantly in the pale and Carthagena 
barks ; but, to a certain extent in all. By heat, the crystal- 
lizable alkaloids are converted into amorphous modifications, as 
quinia into quinicia, and cinchonia into cinchonicia ; and re- 
cently, other alkaloids, paricia, quinamia, and paytia are said 
te have been discovered in cinchona. Other principles found 
are cincho-tannic acid, colouring matter, kinovic acid, starch, 
fatty matter, kinate of lime, lignin, &c. Gum is found in the 
pale bark, but not in the yellow or red bark. 

Quinia is obtained by heating the sulphate with an alkaline 
solution. Quinine Sulphas [Sulphate of Quinia), is prepared 
in the following manner : Powdered yellow bark is boiled in 
water acidulated with muriatic acid, by which the alkaloid is 
separated from its combination with kinic and other acids, to 
form a soluble muriate. By the addition of lime, this salt is 
decomposed, and quinia precipitated. The precipitate is washed 
with distilled water, and is separated from insoluble impurities 
by digestion in boiling alcohol, which is afterwards distilled off. 
To the residual brown viscid mass, dissolved in distilled water, 
and heated to the boiling point, sulphuric acid is added, in 
quantity sufficient to dissolve the quinia. The liquor is then 
boiled with animal charcoal, filtered, and set aside to crystallize. 



CINCHONA. 133 

The alkaloid quinia may be obtained in the form of fine crys- 
talline needles of a silky lustre, but usually occurs as afloose 
white powder ; it is inodorous, very bitter, soluble in 2000 
parts of cold water and in 760 parts of boiling water, in little 
more than its weight of absolute alcohol, in about 2 parts of 
chloroform, and in 22.6 parts of ether, and also in the fixed 
and volatile oils. It unites with acids to form salts, the most 
important of which is the officinal salt, the sulphate. Its 
composition is C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ,3H 2 O. Quinia and its salts may be 
distinguished from all other vegetable alkalies and their salts 
(excepting quinidia), by striking an emerald-green colour, when 
treated first with fresh chlorine-water and then with ammonia. 
HerapatKs test is by adding to sulphate of quinia (gr. v), di- 
luted acetic acid (f5i), with alcohol (f5?s), and tincture of iodine 
(8 drops), heating gently over a spirit lamp till it forms a clear 
light-brown solution, when, as the liquor cools, right-angled, 
quadrate, rhombic crystals are deposited, which by reflected 
light appear of a copper-green colour, resembling the elytra of 
Spanish flies. Cinchonia is a white crystalline substance, less 
bitter than quinia, almost insoluble in cold water, very soluble 
in boiling alcohol, and slightly soluble in ether and the fixed 
and volatile oils. Its composition is C 20 H 24 N 2 O. It is dis- 
tinguishable from quinia by striking a white precipitate, when 
chlorine-water and afterwards ammonia are added ; with ferro- 
• cyanide of potassium, a yellowish-white precipitate ensues. 
Cinchonia being insoluble in ether, while quinia is soluble in 
that menstruum, the latter may by this means be readily sepa- 
rated from the former alkaloid. The medicinal properties of 
quinia and cinchonia are analogous, and the sulphate of cin- 
chonia is now officinal. Quinidia is isomeric with quinia, but 
more crystallizable and less soluble in ether ; its salts strike a 
white precipitate with solution of iodide of potassium. Cin- 
chonidia is isomeric with cinchonia. It is usually found mixed 
with quinidia, the mixture being known as commercial quinidia. 
The commercial sulphate of quinidia (which is more soluble in 
water and alcohol than the sulphate of quinia) may be used as 
a substitute for the latter salt. 



134 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Incompatibles. — The alkalies and alkaline earths precipitate 
the alkaline principles of cinchona; tannic acid, and the tinc- 
ture and compound solution of iodine, form with them insoluble 
compounds; the ferric salts precipitate cincho-tannic acid; 
solution of arsenite of potassium is also incompatible with 
infusions and decoctions of cinchona. 

Physiological Effects. — Locally, cinchona and its alkaloids 
act as irritants, and have, besides, a marked antiseptic effect, 
arresting putrefaction and fermentation by a destructive in- 
fluence upon fungi and infusoria. Cinchona produces upon 
the stomach a stimulant effect to the appetite and digestion, 
and, from the tannic acid which it contains, a slightly astrin- 
gent action, not belonging to the salts of its alkaloids. If 
given too long, or if the stomach or bowels are in an irritable 
condition, it is apt soon to produce nausea, vomiting, and even 
diarrhoea. The constitutional effects of the cinchona prepara- 
tions, within toxic limits, are powerfully tonic, marked by 
increased fulness with diminished irritability of the pulse, im- 
proved tonicity of the capillary vessels, and augmentation of 
the general vigour. Large doses produce depression, the first 
indications of which are upon the special senses, especially that 
of hearing, which undergoes subjective noises, as ringing and 
roaring in the ears, with partial deafness ; dimness of vision is 
an accompaniment, though less common ; the face is flushed, 
the eyes are suffused, with often severe headache ; very large 
doses produce a marked sedative influence upon the pulse and 
temperature of the body, with sometimes dilatation of the 
pupils, delirium, and even convulsions ; death is said in rare 
cases to have followed cinchona-poisoning, though immense 
doses of the sulphate of quinia have been taken with impunity. 
The cinchona alkaloids are eliminated almost exclusively by 
the kidneys, acting as diuretics, though they diminish the pro- 
duction of uric acid. They are said to arrest the amoeboid 
movements of the white blood-corpuscles. 

Medicinal Uses. — The most important therapeutic employ- 
ment of cinchona is as a febrifuge in the treatment of fevers of 
a miasmatic origin. Its efficacy in these diseases was first made 



CINCHONA. 135 

known to the world by the Jesuit missionaries in Peru, from 
whom it was called Jesuit's powder. The type of miasmatic 
fever in which the powers of bark are most strikingly displayed, 
is intermittent, the non-pernicious and uncomplicated forms of 
which it rarely if ever fails to control. It may be given in 
these cases from the very onset of the attack ; and if, owing to 
gastric irritability, it is rejected by the stomach, it should be 
introduced by the rectum. In remittent fevers, cinchona is 
scarcely less useful than in intermittent^ ; and most physicians, 
who practice in miasmatic districts, now concur in recommend- 
ing its early exhibition in these fevers, without waiting for a 
remission. In the pernicious or congestive forms of intermit- 
tent and remittent fevers, the early administration of large 
doses of cinchona or the salts of quinia or cinchonia, in combi- 
nation with stimulants, is imperatively demanded; and the hy- 
podermic injection of the sulphate of quinia may here be neces- 
sary. As a prophylactic against miasmatic fever, the use of 
the preparations of cinchona is very efficacious. In erysipelas, 
the author has found the sulphate of quinia scarcely if at all 
less efficient than in miasmatic fevers, and he believes it to be 
the most available remedy in puerperal fever. In the varieties 
of typhus, especially that termed cerebro-spinal meningitis, 
the salts of quinia, in full doses, are generally resorted to, 
in conjunction with the bromides, opium, and alcohol. In 
yellow fever, the declining stages of typhoid fever, the ma- 
lignant exanthemata, gangrene, erysipelas, carbunc e, extensive 
suppurations, the typhoid forms of diseases generally, the hec- 
tic of phthisis, acute rheumatism, diarrhoea, dysentery, and 
cholera, and various disorders of the nervous system, as neu- 
ralgia, tetanus, and chorea, cinchona and its preparations are 
constantly employed ; and, as they have been found to lessen 
the amount of uric acid and urea in the urine, they have been 
prescribed also in gout. By its general vitalizing action, the 
sulphate of quinia exerts an influence in promoting normal 
labour, and will often prove useful in counteracting inertia of 
the uterus in parturition. Cinchona is also much used as a 
stomachic and general tonic, but, where gastric susceptibility 



136 MATERIA MEDICA. 

exists, as in convalescence from acute diseases, some of the 
simple bitters are preferable. Topically, cinchona is employed 
as an astringent and antiseptic. 

Administration. — The use of cinchona in powder, since the 
discovery of sulphate of quinia, has been very much abandoned, 
owing to its bulk and disagreeable taste. When exhibited in 
this form, half a troyounce to an ounce is the dose as a febri- 
fuge, given usually in divided amounts; as a tonic, 5j- The 
following officinal preparations are employed : decoction (a troy- 
ounce of yellow or red bark to Oj of water, to be boiled for ten 
minutes, and water enough added to make the decoction measure 
a pint; aromatic sulphuric acid f5j may be afterwards added), 
dose, f5ij, repeated ; infusion (a troyounce of yellow or red 
bark to water Oj, to which aromatic sulphuric acid f5j may be 
added), dose f5ij repeated ; extract (of yellow bark), dose gr. x 
to gr. xxx, equivalent to 5j of bark ; fluid extract (yellow), dose, 
f5i, equal to 5j of bark ; tincture (six troyounces of yellow 
bark to a mixture of three measures of alcohol with one of 
water, Oij), dose, f5j to f5iv ; compound tincture or Huxliam's 
tincture (containing red bark four troyounces, bitter orange- 
peel three troyounces, serpentaria three hundred and sixty 
grains, in a mixture of three measures of alcohol with one of 
water, Oij ss), dose, f5 to f3iv. In prescribing bark, opium or 
port wine is often given with it, when it acts on the bowels. 
It is also occasionally combined with serpentaria. And, when 
the stomach will not retain it, it has been used externally in 
the form of cataplasmata, pediluvia, bark jackets, &c, though, 
in such cases, it may be administered by the rectum, and the 
endermic or even the hypodermic exhibition of the sulphate of 
quinia may be resorted to. 

Quinia Sulphas (Sulphate of Quinia). This salt is pre- 
pared by the process described at p. 132. It occurs in fine, 
silky, rather flexible, needle-shaped crystals (interlaced among 
one another, or grouped in small starlike tufts), which are 
odourless, very bitter, and slightly efflorescent. It is soluble 
in 755 parts of cold and 30 parts of boiling water, readily 
soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in ether, and by the addition 



CINCHONA. 137 

of sulphuric acid is converted into a salt, which is soluble in 11 
parts of cold water ; its cold solution is opalescent. The officinal 
sulphate consists of one eq. of base to one half of acid, and eight 
eqs. of water ; the more soluble salt is regarded as a neutral 
sulphate. Sulphate of quinia is decomposed by the alkalies 
and their carbonates, the alkaline earths, astringent infusions, 
the soluble salts of lead, acetates and tartrates generally, and 
the compound solution of iodine. Various substances are 
mixed as adulterations with the sulphate of quinia. They may 
be detected by adverting to their relative solubility in different 
menstrua, as compared with the sulphate, or by chemical tests. 
Thus, gum and starch are left behind by alcohol ; salicin 
becomes red on contact with sulphuric acid, &c. 

Effects and Uses. — The effects of sulphate of quinia on the 
system are the same as those of cinchona, and, from its being 
less apt to disagree with the stomach, it has to a great extent 
superseded the use of the latter. In large doses it produces 
headache, ringing of the ears, and sometimes vertigo, amau- 
rosis, deafness, delirium, dilatation of the pupils, and other 
evidences of a powerful action on the cerebro-spinal system ; 
see p. 134. 

Administration. — The ordinary dose of the sulphate of 
quinia, as a febrifuge, is gr. xvi, equal to about oj of bark, but 
as much as twenty grains, and even more, are often required ; as 
a general tonic, gr. j to gr. vj. It may be given dissolved in 
some aromatic water, by the aid of aromatic sulphuric acid, 
also as an enema, or hypodermically. Pills of Sulphate of 
Quinia (Piluloe Quinice Sulphatis), are made by beating 
together 24 grains of sulphate of quinia with 14 grains of 
clarified honey into a pilular mass, and dividing into 24 pills. 
(Glycerin is a good excipient for pills of sulphate of quinia.) 
Many other salts of quinia than the sulphate have been intro- 
duced into practice, but few possess any advantage over the 
officinal salt. 

Quinia Valerianas ( Valerianate of Quinia), is obtained 
by dissolving freshly-precipitated quinia in diluted valerianic 
acid. It occurs in transparent or white rhomboidal tables, of 



138 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the peculiar repulsive odour of valerianic acid, and an acrid, 
bitter taste. Soluble in alcohol and ether, and partially soluble 
in water. It fulfils the indications of quinia and valerianic 
acid, and is therefore especially useful in nervous disorders. 

The sulphovinate of quinia (prepared by the reaction of the 
sulphate of quinia and sulphovinate of barium), from its ready 
solubility, dissolving in twice its weight of water, is well adapted 
to hypodermic injection. 

The hydrobr ornate of quinia is soluble in five times its weight 
of water, and is believed to combine the effects of bromine and 
of quinia. 

Crude Quinia is the impure quinia obtained from the 
manufacturer, before separation from the insoluble impurities. 
It is a soft solid of resinous aspect, nearly free from bitter- 
ness, and may be given to children in the same doses as the 
sulphate. 

Quinoidia, quinoidine, or amorphous quinia, is a substance 
obtained by precipitation, with an alkaline carbonate, from the 
mother liquor left after the preparation of sulphate of quinia. 
When moderately heated, it appears as a resinous mass, of a 
yellowish-white or brownish colour, which, according to Liebig, 
bears the same relation to ordinary quinia that uncrystallizable 
sugar bears to the crystallizable. The quinia in this prepara- 
tion is thought to be converted, by the action of heat, into an 
isomeric alkaloid, termed quinicia; and, by the same action, 
cinchonia is converted into an isomeric alkaloid, termed cin- 
chonicia. It is considered equally efficacious with quinia, but 
requires doses rather larger than the sulphate of quinia, than 
which it is much more economical. 

Cinchonle Sulphas (Sulphate of Cinchonia), is made from 
the mother-water remaining after the crystallization of sul- 
phate of quinia. Being the most soluble of the sulphates of 
the four alkaloids found in bark, it remains in solution after 
the sulphate of quinia, and the mixed sulphate of cinchonidia 
and quinidia, have crystallized out. From the mother-water, 
it is precipitated by solution of soda, then washed with alcohol, 
next reconverted into a sulphate, and boiled with animal char- 



DOGWOOD. 139 

coal to decolorize it. It occurs in short, oblique, shining 
prisms with dihedral summits, of a very bitter taste, more 
soluble in water than the sulphate of quinia, readily soluble by 
alcohol, and sparingly so by ether. By the addition of sulphuric 
acid, it is converted into the more soluble neutral sulphate. 
It is now admitted to have the same remedial properties as the 
sulphate of quinia, but requires about one-third larger doses. 

EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS. 

The leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus (Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae), 
a lofty tree of Australia, commonly known as the Blue Gum- 
Tree, have within the last few years come into notice as a febri- 
fuge tonic. Two varieties, latifolius and longifolius, exist, the 
latter only of which has decided medicinal virtues ; the leaves 
of this are ensiform, parchment-like, of a grayish-green colour, 
from 4 to 14 inches in length, an inch or two in breadth, of a 
pleasant aromatic smell, and a bitterish, rather pungent taste ; 
the fresh leaves are more active than the dried ; they owe their 
activity to a volatile oil, the more volatile and chief portion of 
which is termed eucalyptol (C 12 H 20 O). This, like quinia, has a 
powerful antiseptic action, and depresses the temperature of the 
body even more than quinia. 

Eucalyptus has been given with excellent results in miasmatic 
fevers, in doses of from 60 grains to half an ounce of the dried 
leaves, or less of the fresh ; a tincture is the best form (a troy- 
ounce to 2 fluidounces of alcohol), dose f5ij, in some aromatic 
water. Eucalyptol, in alcoholic solution, may be given in the 
dose of 20 drops, repeated 2 or 3 times. It has proved efficient 
in whooping-cough. The growth of plantations of Eucalyptus 
in miasmatic districts has been found to diminish the spread of 
malaria. 

COENUS FLORIDA — DOGWOOD. 

Cornus Florida, or Dogwood (Nat. Ord. Cornaceae), is an 
indigenous tree found in most parts of the United States, and 
growing in the Middle States to the height of from fifteen to 



140 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



twenty feet. Its flowers are remarkable for large four-leaved 
white or pinkish involucres, which appear with us in May. 
The officinal portion is the BARK, that of the root being pre- 
ferred. It occurs in pieces of various sizes, more or less rolled, 
of a reddish-gray colour, with occasionally a fawn-coloured 

Fig. 16. 




epidermis. Its odour is slight ; its taste bitter, astringent and 
slightly aromatic. It yields its virtues to water and alcohol, 
and contains resin, bitter extractive, tannic and gallic acids, &c. 
The barks of Cornus Sericea, or Swamp Dogwood, and of 
Cornus Circinata, or round-leaved Dogwood, possess analogous 
properties. 

Effects and Uses. — Dogwood is deservedly esteemed the best 
substitute for cinchona among the native astringent bitters. 
It is somewhat stimulant, and not unfrequently disorders the 
stomach. Dose, in powder, 3j to 5j ; of the decoction (a troy- 
ounce to water Oj), f§ij may be given ; the fluid extract con- 
tains §i in f§i. 



WILD-CHEERY. 141 



SAL IX — WILLOW 



The bark of Salix alba, the White Willow {Nat. Ord. Sali- 
cacese), is ranked among the astringent bitters. It is little 
employed, however, except in the form of salicin, its active 
principle (C 13 H 18 7 ) which consists of white, slender, silky crys- 
tals, inodorous, but very bitter, soluble in water and alcohol, 
but not in ether ; it ranks with the glucosides. It has been 
used as a substitute for the sulphate of quinia, but it is very 
inferior to it as a febrifuge. As a general tonic, however, and 
also in diarrhoea, it is useful, and is to be given in the dose of 
from gr. x to gr. xxx. The sulphate of quinia is often adulter- 
ated with salicin, but the fraud may be detected by the addition 
of concentrated sulphuric acid, which strikes a blood-red colour 
with salicin. 



PRUNUS VIRGINIANA — WILD-CHERRY. 

The wild-cherry has long been known under the. name of 
Prunus Virginiana, which is still retained by the Pharmaco- 
poeia. This name, however, belongs to another tree, the choke- 
cherry ; and the wild-cherry is now properly distinguished as 
Cerasus serotina {Nat. Ord. Drupacese). It is a large indige- 
nous tree, attaining a great height and size in the Southwestern 
States, but usually with us about twenty-five to thirty feet 
high. The trunk is covered with a rough, blackish bark, which 
detaches itself semicircularly ; the leaves are ovate, oblong, and 
acuminate ; the flowers, which appear in May, are white, and 
are followed by fruit about the size of a pea, of a purplish- 
black colour, and a not unpleasant, prussic, bitterish taste. 
The medicinal portion is the bark of the root and trunk, the 
former of which is the more active. It is found in the shops, 
in pieces of various lengths and sizes, deprived of the epider- 
mis and slightly curved, of a reddish-brown colour, and a bitter, 
slightly astringent, aromatic taste. 

It contains a bitter principle, resin, starch, and tannic and 



14*2 MATERIA MEDICA. 

gallic acids, and yields on distillation a volatile oil, nearly 
Identical with the oil of bitter almond, which does not pre- 
exist in the bark, but is formed by the action of water on 
amygdalin, through the agency of an albuminous principle 
termed emulsin, as in the bitter almond. The leaves also yield 
this oil. Boiling water impairs the virtues of the bark. 

Effects and Uses. — Wild-cherry bark is tonic, with some 
^stringency, and at the same time exercises a sedative influence 
on the nervous and circulatory systems, owing to the hydro- 
cyanic acid, which is developed in it. It is used with excellent 
effect as a sedative corroborant in various forms of pulmonary 
irritation, particularly in the latter stages of pneumonia, and 
in the hectic of phthisis. It is a]so a useful stomachic and tonic 
in a variety of cases. The proper form of administration is 
the infusion (half a troyounce to cold water Oj), in the dose of 
fgij, twice or thrice daily. Of the fluid extract (of which a 
fluidounce represents an ounce of the bark), the dose is fSj-ij- 
The syrup is made by percolating five troyounces of the 
coarsely powdered bark with water till a pint of filtered liquor 
is obtained, and afterwards adding twenty-eight troyounces of 
sugar; it is an agreeable preparation; dose, f§ss. 

NECTANDRA. 

The bark of Nectandra Rodiei (Nat. Ord. Lauracese), the 
Greenheart tree, a large tree of Guiana, and the neighbouring 
countries of South America, has, within a few years, been 
introduced into medicine, under the name of bebeeru bark. It 
occurs in large, flat, heavy pieces, one to two feet long, from 
two to six inches broad, and three or four lines thick, of a 
grayish-brown colour on its outer surface, and a dark cinnamon 
on the inner. It has an intensely bitter, somewhat astringent 
taste, and contains tannic acid, resin, gum, &c, and two alka- 
loids, which have been isolated, termed bebeeria (C 19 H 21 N0 3 ), 
and nectandria (C 20 H 23 NO 4 ). Bebeeru bark is employed as a 
febrifuge and tonic in South America, and the sulphate of 
bebeeria has been used in Europe and this country with some 



PANCREATIN. 143 

success, in the treatment of intermittent fevers. The full dose 
is 3j-5j. 

The rhizome of Geum rivale, or Water Avens, and the root 
of Spiraea tomentosa, or Hardhack (Nat. Ord. Rosacese), and 
the bark of Prinos verticillatus, or Black Alder (Nat. Ord. 
Aquifolacese), are indigenous astringent tonics of considerable 
power. 

PEPSIN A — P E P S I N . 

In connection with the subject of stomachic tonics, this article 
is entitled to brief mention. It is prepared from the rennets 
either of the calf, sheep, or pig, taken from the animal as soon 
as killed, the best process being Scheffer's. The mucous mem- 
brane of well-cleaned, fresh hogs' stomachs is scraped off, chopped 
finely, and macerated for several days in water acidulated with 
muriatic acid ; the strained and decanted clear liquid is mixed 
with a saturated solution of chloride of sodium in water, and the 
separated pepsin after several hours is drained on a muslin 
strainer, and submitted to strong pressure. Pepsin is now a 
good deal used in dyspepsia and diarrhoea, and may be given 
in doses of 5 to 10 grains before each meal, suspended in syrup 
of orange peel or other syrup, to disguise its disagreeable taste. 
It is probably more efficient in cases of children than of adults. 
When nourishment is to be given by the rectum (as when food 
is rejected by the stomach), the addition of pepsin and a little 
hydrochloric acid to animal broths for rectal injection is highly 
useful. 

PANCREATINE" M — PAN C R E A T I N . 

This is obtained, by Mattison's process, from the pancreas of 
recently-killed animals, which is dissected and macerated in water 
acidulated with hydrochloric acid for about forty-eight hours, 
then separated, and the solution of pancreatin is passed through 
a pulp filter until it is perfectly clear ; to this clear solution 
is then added a saturated solution of sodium chloride, and allowed 



144 MATERIA MEDICA. 

to stand until the pancrcatin is separated ; this is skimmed off 
and placed upon a muslin filter and allowed to drain, after 
which it is washed with a less concentrated solution of sodium 
chloride, and then put under the press ; when all the salt solu- 
tion is removed, and the mass is nearly dry, it is rubbed with 
sugar of milk, and dried without heat, after which it is diluted 
until ten grains emulsify two drachms cod-liver oil. Saccha- 
rated pancreatin is employed to promote the digestion of fatty 
matters, and may be administered in the form of emulsion, or 
dissolved in diluted alcohol or glycerin, or as a powder ; it is a 
good addition to cod-liver oil. Dose, 5 to 10 grains. 



MINERAL TONICS. 
FERRI PR^PARATA — PREPARATIONS OF IRON. 

The preparations of Iron (Ferrum), termed Ferrugi?iea, 
Chatybeates, and Martial preparations, are the most important 
of the mineral tonics. Besides their local tonic-astringent effect, 
and their general corroborant action on the cerebro-spinal sys- 
tem, which they possess in common with the other mineral 
tonics, they exercise a restorative influence on the composition 
of the blood, by increasing the number of its colouring parti- 
cles, and the amount of its solid constituents. Iron is in fact 
a natural constituent of the blood, and is to be considered as a 
nutrient rather than a medicine. The effects of the chalybeates 
are best observed in conditions of the system in which there is 
a relative want of the red corpuscles of the blood. Under their 
use in such cases, while the digestive functions are promoted, 
the pulse becomes fuller and stronger, the skin assumes a 
healthy tint, the lips and cheeks become more florid, the tem- 
perature of the body is increased, and the muscular strength is 
greatly invigorated. On the other hand, the administration of 
the ferruginous preparations in health, or too long continued, 
is thought to produce symptoms of plethora, vascular excite- 
ment, and a tendency to congestion and hemorrhage ; though 



PREPARATIONS OF IRON. 145 

it may be doubted whether the blood will assimilate more than 
the normal proportion of iron. 

The red corpuscles of the blood act as carriers of oxygen, 
which they take up from the inspired air in the lungs, and it 
is now believed that the iron in the blood-corpuscles converts 
oxygen into ozone, a more active form of this element. The 
diseases in which chalybeates are most serviceable are those 
which depend on a deficiency of the red corpuscles of the 
blood, as the various forms of ancemia, particularly where this 
is connected with irregularity of the uterine functions ; also, 
scrofula, tuberculosis, degeneration of the viscera, and ca- 
chectic states of the system, characterized by a pale, flabby 
condition of the solids. Many forms of nervous disorder, as 
neuralgia, chorea, hysteria, and epilepsy, are very decidedly 
controlled by the preparations of iron, and they probably 
constitute the best remedies in these affections, when attended 
with anaemia. Several of the preparations of iron are also 
much employed both as stomachics and astringents. 

The following are the officinal preparations of iron : 

Ferrum Redactum {Reduced Iron). Metallic iron is ob- 
tained for medicinal purposes in the form of an impalpable 
powder, by reducing the hydrated oxide (officinally subcarbon- 
ate), by passing a stream of hydrogen gas over it. It is a light, 
tasteless, iron-gray powder, insoluble in water, but completely 
soluble in diluted sulphuric acid, and it should be kept in a 
well-stoppered bottle, owing to its great liability to oxidation. 
This preparation, sometimes called Quevenne's Iron, is a 
mild chalybeate, and is a favourite prescription with many 
practitioners, in the treatment of chlorosis and other varieties 
of anaemia. Dose, gr. v to gr. x, three times a day, in the form 
of pill made with sugar and gum. It is sometimes prepared 
with chocolate in the form of lozenges. It is well adapted to 
prolonged use. 

Ferri Oxidum Hydratum {Hydrated Oxide of Iron). This 
preparation {ferrie hydrate) (Fe 2 6HO) is made by precipitating 
the ferric hydrate from its combination in any tersalt of iron 
by means of ammonia. Officinally, the tersulphate of iron is 

10 



1-k) MATERIA MEDICA. 

employed for this purpose. When dry, it is a reddish-brown 
powder, and is not considered an eligible preparation for medi- 
cinal use. It is furnished in the form of a freshly-precipitated, 
soft, moist, reddish-brown magma, for use as an antidote to 
arsenious acid. 

Ferri Subcarbonas (Subcarbonate of Iron). This salt is 
obtained by the double reaction of solutions of sulphate of iron 
and carbonate of sodium. It is at first a white precipitate ; 
but, by exposure to the air, it becomes greenish, and afterwards 
rust-coloured, being converted nearly entirely into the hydrated 
oxide by the absorption of oxygen, and the evolution of car- 
bonic acid. It has a slightly styptic taste, is insoluble in 
water, but readily dissolves in hydrochloric and sulphuric 
acids and carbonic acid water. It is one of the most valuable 
of the ferruginous compounds, free from local irritation, and 
readily dissolved in the fluids of the stomach ; and is much 
employed in chlorosis, chorea, neuralgia, and even pertussis 
and tetanus. Dose, gr. v to gr. xxx, three times a day. 

Trochisei Ferri Subcarbonatis (Troches of Subcarbonate of 
Iron), are made with subcarbonate of iron five troyounces, 
vanilla thirty grains, sugar fifteen troyounces, and a sufficient 
quantity of mucilage of tragacanth — the mass to be divided 
into 480 troches ; each lozenge contains five grains of the sub- 
carbonate. 

Emplastrum Ferri (Plaster of Iron), is made with subcar- 
bonate of iron three troyounces, lead-plaster twenty-four troy- 
ounces, and Burgundy pitch six troyounces. 

Pilula Ferri Carbonatis (Pill of Carbonate of Iron). — 
Vallefs Ferruginous Pill. To protect the carbonate of iron 
(ferrous carbonate) (FeC0 3 ) from oxidation, it is prepared (as 
in the process last described) by dissolving the reacting salts 
in weak syrup instead of water ; honey and sugar being after- 
wards added, to preserve it unaltered and bring it to the 
pilular consistence. This preparation, from its unchange- 
ableness, is preferred to the ordinary subcarbonate, and is 
one of the most popular of the chalybeates. It contains 
nearly half its weight of ferrous carbonate. From five to 



PREPARATIONS OF IRON. 147 

twenty grains of the pilular mass may be taken in divided 
doses through the day. 

Mistura Ferri Composita (Compound Mixture of Iron), is a 
mixture of the carbonate of iron (prepared by the reaction of 
sulphate of iron twenty grains and carbonate of potassium 
twenty-five grains), with myrrh sixty grains, spirit of lavender 
half a fluidounce, and rose-water seven fluidounces and a half, 
and sugar sixty grains, to resist oxidation. It is a favourite 
chalybeate in chlorosis and amenorrhcea. Dose, foj to fsij, 
three times a day. 

Pilulce Ferri Composite (Compound Pills of Iron), are pre- 
pared with carbonate of sodium and sulphate of iron each 
eighteen grains, myrrh thirty-six grains, and syrup, the mass 
to be divided into twenty-four pills. Dose, from two to six 
pills three times a day. Both these preparations should be 
made only as wanted for use. 

Ferri Sulphas (Sulphate of Iron), known, in its impure 
state, as green vitriol or copperas, is prepared for medicinal use 
by dissolving iron wire in diluted sulphuric acid, with heat. It 
is ferrous sulphate (FeS0 4 ,7H 2 0), and occurs in transparent, 
pale bluish-green crystals, of the form of the oblique rhombic 
prism, of an acrid, styptic taste, soluble in water, but insoluble 
in alcohol. By exposure to the air, they effloresce, absorb 
oxygen, 2nd become yellowish-white, from the formation of 
ferric sulphate. When heated to 212°, they give out six of 
their seven equivalents of water, and are converted into a 
grayish-white mass, known as the dried sulphate. The alka- 
lies and alkaline earths and their carbonates, nitrate of silver, 
acetate of lead, are incompatible with this salt. Sulphate of 
iron is one of the most active of the ferruginous preparations, 
but its local effects are powerfully astringent, and in a concen- 
trated form it acts as an irritant poison. It is preferred to 
other chalybeates where there is much relaxation of the solids, 
with excessive discharges ; but it is not so well adapted to long- 
continued use, on account of its local irritant action. Topi- 
cally, it is employed in substance and solution, as a styptic and 



148 MATERIA MEDICA. 

astringent. Pose, gr. j to gr. v, in pill ; of the dried sulphate 
(fern' sulphas exstceata), gr. ss to gr. iij. 

Liquor Ferri Tersulpiiatis (Solution of Tersulphate of 
Iron). This preparation is made by dissolving 12 troyounces 
of the sulphate of iron (ferrous sulphate) in a mixture of 2 troy- 
ounces and 60 grains of sulphuric and a troy ounce and 360 grains 
of nitric acid, with water enough to make a pint and a half of 
solution. The nitric acid furnishes oxygen, which converts the 
iron from a ferrous to a ferric condition. It is Fe 2 3S0 4 (ferric 
sulphate). This solution is a clear, reddish-brown liquid, nearly 
devoid of odour, and of a sour, very styptic, and somewhat 
acrid taste. Its chief use is in making the hydrated oxide of 
iron, and it should be kept on hand for the preparation of the 
antidote for arsenious acid. It may be used as a styptic, but 
for this purpose it is inferior to the next preparation. 

Liquor Ferri Subsulphatis (Solution of Subsulphate of 
Iron). This solution, known as MonseVs Solution, is made in 
the same way as the last preparation, except that only half 
the amount of sulphuric acid is used ; the ferric oxide is 
therefore only partially saturated, and a subsalt results 
(2Fe 2 3S0 4 ). It has a syrupy consistence, a ruby-red colour, 
is inodorous, and has a very astringent but not acrid taste. It 
is a less irritant salt than the tersulphate, and may be used in- 
ternally, in hemorrhage from the stomach and bowels, in the 
dose of from five to fifteen grains. Externally, it is one of 
the most efficacious styptics we can emplo} 7 , and has been 
injected into varicose veins with success for the cure of varicose 
ulcers, and, applied by means of the atomizer, has been found 
efficient in hemoptysis. Diluted with water, it is a good local 
application to inflamed mucous surfaces. 

Ferri Chloridum (Chloride of Iron). This salt, which is 
ferric chloride (Fe 2 Cl 6 ), is made by heating iron wire with 
muriatic acid (by which ferrous chloride is formed), and after- 
wards converting the ferrous chloride into ferric chloride by 
heating it with muriatic and nitric acids. It occurs in frag- 
ments of a crystalline structure, an orange-yellow colour, in- 
odorous, of a strong chalybeate, styptic taste, deliquescent, 



PREPARATIONS OF IRON. 149 

and wholly soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Internally, it 
is used chiefly in the form of the tincture. Externally, it is 
applied as a styptic, and in solution, of various strengths, as an 
astringent. One part, gradually added to six parts of collo- 
dion, forms a yellowish-red, limpid liquid, of valuable styptic 
properties. 

Liquor Ferri Chloridi [Solution of Chloride of Iron), is 
prepared by dissolving iron wire (three troyounces) in muriatic 
acid (eleven troyounces), heating to the boiling point, then heat- 
ing the liquid, after filtration, with muriatic acid (six troyounces 
and a half) and nitric acid (a troy ounce and a half), and after- 
wards adding distilled water enough to make a solution meas- 
uring a pint. A reddish-brown liquid, having an acid and 
strongly styptic taste, and sp. gr. 1.355. It may be used in- 
ternally for the purposes of the chloride, in doses of ff|ij-vi, 
diluted, and externally as a styptic. 

Tinctura Ferri Chloridi (Tincture of the Chloride of Iron), 
is made by mixing one part of Solution of Chloride of Iron 
with three parts of alcohol. It is a tincture of the chloride, 
though there is probably some reaction between the acid and 
alcohol, as the preparation has an ethereal odour. It is of 
a reddish-brown colour, and has a sour, styptic taste. It is one 
of the most effective of the chalybeates, acting locally as an 
energetic astringent and styptic, and, in large doses, as an 
irritant. Its indications, both general and topical, are very 
analogous to those of the sulphate, with the addition of some 
specific action on the urino-genital apparatus, which renders it 
applicable to the treatment of affections of these organs ; 
it is especially useful in erysipelas. Dose, TT|x to TTjxxx, 
gradually increased to f5j or foij, and taken in some mild 
diluent. 

Ferri Iodidum (Iodide of Iron). This salt is ferrous iodide 
(Fel 2 ), and is made by the addition of iron filings to a mixture 
of iodine in distilled water. By evaporation, with as little 
contact of air as possible, green tabular crystals are obtained, 
of a styptic taste, volatile, deliquescent, and very soluble in 
both water and alcohol. But, by exposure to the air, the 



150 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ferrous iodide undergoes decomposition, a portion of the 
iron parting with its iodine, and becoming oxidized. Hence, 
the salt is hardly fit for medicinal use, unless protected from 
decomposition, as in the officinal 

Syrupus Ferri Iodidi [Syrup of Iodide of Iron), which is 
prepared by mixing iodine (2 troy ounces) and iron wire (300 
grains) in distilled water (3 fluidounces), and shaking the mix- 
ture until the solution has acquired a green colour. Into this 
solution, a pint of syrup, heated to 212°, is to be filtered, and, 
when the liquid has cooled, sufficient syrup is to be added 
to make the whole measure 20 fluidounces. It must be kept in 
well-stoppered two-ounce vials. It is a transparent liquid, of a 
pale-green colour, and furnishes an excellent alterative tonic, 
combining the effects of iodine and of iron, and is particularly 
applicable to the treatment of scrofula, visceral engorgements, 
phthisis, &c. Dose, 20 to 40 drops, three times a day. 

Pilulce Ferri Iodidi {Pills of Iodide of Iron), are made with 
iodine, iron wire, reduced iron, sugar, gum Arabic, liquorice- 
root, liquorice, and an ethereal solution of balsam of Tolu. 
They keep very well. Each pill contains about one grain of 
iodide of iron, and one-fourth of a grain of reduced iron. 

Ferri et Potassii Tartras (Tartrate of Iron and Potas- 
sium), (Fe 2 KC 4 H 4 6 ,H 2 0), is prepared by the addition of hy- 
drated oxide of iron to a mixture of bitartrate of potassium in 
distilled water. It occurs in transparent scales of a ruby-red 
colour, which are wholly soluble in water. The tartaric acid 
and potash, in combination in this preparation, render it less 
constipating than the other chalybeates ; and, from its agreea- 
ble taste, it is adapted to the diseases of childhood. It is, 
moreover, not incompatible with alkalies. Dose, gr. x to 5ss. 

Ferri Phosphas (Phosphate of Iron), is obtained by the 
double reaction of solutions of sulphate of iron and phosphate 
of sodium, and is ferrous jjhosphate (Fe 3 2P0 4 ). It is a 
bright, slate-coloured powder, insoluble in water, but soluble 
in the mineral acids ; by exposure to the air it absorbs oxygen, 
with the production of ferric oxide, and acquires a blue colour. 
Dose, gr. v to gr. x. 



PREPARATIONS OP IRON. 151 

Ferri Pyrophosphas {Pyrophosphate of Iron), is a mixture 
of ferric pyrophosphate (Fe 4 3P 2 7 ,9H 2 0) and of citrate of am- 
monium. It occurs in apple-green scales, of an acid, slightly 
saline taste, and is very soluble in water. A good chalybeate. 
Dose, gr. ij-v. Given also as a syrup. 

Ferri Citras {Citrate of Iron), may be prepared by the ad- 
dition of hydrated oxide of iron to a solution of citric acid. It 
is ferric citrate (Fe 2 C 6 H 5 7 ), and occurs in thin, transparent 
pieces, of a garnet-red colour, with a mild, acid, chalybeate taste, 
slowly soluble in cold water, but readily soluble in boiling 
water. Dose, gr. v to gr. x. It is officinal also in the form 
of solution of citrate of iron {liquor ferri citratis), a deep reddish- 
brown liquid, given in doses of 10 to 20 drops ; and it is by 
evaporating this solution that the solid citrate is obtained. 

Liquor Ferri Nitratis {/Solution of Nitrate of Iron), is 
prepared by the gradual addition of diluted nitric acid to an 
excess of iron wire. It is ferric nitrate (Fe 2 6N0 3 ), and is a 
pale, amber-coloured liquid, with a strong, astringent, acid 
taste. It is tonic and astringent, agreeing very well with the 
stomach, and is employed in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, 
hsematemesis, hemorrhage from the bowels, and uterine hemor- 
rhage, particularly when anaemic symptoms are present. Dose, 
gtt. x to gtt. xx, two or three times a day, in dilution. 

Ferrum Ammoniatum {Ammo?iiated Iron), is prepared by 
evaporating a solution of chloride of iron and chloride of am- 
monium. It is a mechanical mixture of these salts, and is of 
an orange-red colour, wholly soluble in water and diluted alco- 
hol. It contains a small and variable quantity of iron ; but is 
considered a valuable deobstruent in glandular swellings, and 
in large doses is aperient. It is not now officinal. Dose, gr. 
iv to gr. xij, or more. 

Ferri Hypophosphis {Hypophosphite of Iron), {ferric hypo- 
phosphite) (Fe 2 2PH 2 2 ), is obtained by the reaction of a solu- 
tion of hypophosphite of sodium or ammonium with solution of 
tersulphate of iron. It is a white, amorphous powder, insolu- 
ble in cold water, soluble in hydrochloric acid, incompatible with 
the soluble salts of mercury and silver, but has the advantage 



I"r2 MATERIA MEDIOA. 

of not being decomposed by the cincho-tannic acid of cinchona. 
This is a good chalybeate in diseases of degeneration of the 
nervous tissue, and has been also given in phthisis ; other hypo- 
phosphites are combined with it. Dose, gr. x-xxx, three times 
a day. 

Ferri Oxalas {Oxalate of Iron), {ferrous oxalate) (FeC 2 4 ), 
is made by the reaction of solutions of oxalic acid and sulphate 
of iron. It occurs as a lemon-yellow, crystalline powder, almost 
destitute of taste, slightly soluble in water, but easily acted 
upon by the dilute acids, and decomposed by the alkalies and 
their carbonates. This chalybeate is of recent introduction, and 
has the advantage of being well borne by the stomach, of being 
readily absorbed, while it is nearly destitute of astringency, 
and not disposed to change like the ferrous salts generally. 
Dose, gr. ij-iij, in pill, three times a day. 

Ferri Ferrocyanidum {Ferrocyanide of Iron), (Fe 4 Fcy 3 ), 
or Pure Prussian Blue, is obtained by the action of ferro- 
cyanide of potassium on solution of tersulphate of iron. It is 
of a rich dark-blue colour, without smell or taste, and is insol- 
uble in water, alcohol, and the dilute mineral acids. Its effects 
on the economy in health are not very striking ; but it has been 
used both as an antiperiodic tonic and in the treatment of neu- 
ralgia, chorea, &c. Dose, gr. v, three or four times a day. 

Ferri Lactas {Lactate of Iron), is made by mixing diluted 
lactic acid with iron filings. It is ferrous lactate, and occurs in 
greenish-white crystalline crusts or grains, of a mild, sweetish, 
ferruginous taste, sparingly soluble in water, and insoluble in 
alcohol. Used in chlorosis, and has a marked effect in increas- 
ing the appetite. Dose, gr. x-xx, in pill, lozenge, or syrup. 

Ferri et Quinine Citras {Citrate of Iron and Quinia). 
This salt is prepared by precipitating quinia from the sulphate 
by ammonia, and afterwards dissolving it in a hot solution of 
citrate of iron. As found in the shops, it is probably a mixture 
of ferric citrate with a variable proportion of citrate of iron 
and quinia. It occurs in thin, transparent scales, of a reddish 
or yellowish-brown colour, with a tint of green, not very soluble 
in water, and of a ferruginous, moderately bitter taste. It 



PKEPARATIONS OF COPPER. 153 

combines the virtues of its two bases, and is thought to have 
an especial agency in diminishing the formation of urea by the 
kidneys, whence its use in uraemia. Dose, gr. v-x. 

Ferri et Ammonii Citras [Citrate of Iron and Ammo- 
nium), is made by adding water of ammonia (6 fluidounces) to 
solution of citrate of iron (a pint), and evaporating. It occurs 
in the form of garnet-red, translucent scales, of a slightly fer- 
ruginous taste, and is readily soluble in water ; it has antacid 
properties. Dose, gr. v-x. 

Ferri et Strychnine Citras [Citrate of Iron and Strychnia), 
is made by mixing a solution of strychnia and citric acid [each 
5 grains), in a fluidrachm of distilled water, with a solution of 
citrate of iron and ammonium (500 grains), in a fluidounce of 
water, and evaporating. It occurs in garnet-red scales, of a 
bitter, ferruginous taste, readily soluble in water. An excel- 
lent tonic. Dose, gr. ij-iij, two or three times a day. 

Ferri et Ammonii Sulphas [Sulphate of Iron and Am- 
monium) (Fe 4 3S0 4 ,(NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 ,24H 2 0). This salt, called also 
ammonio-ferric alum, is made by adding sulphate of ammonium 
to a hot solution of tersulphate of iron. It occurs in octohedral 
crystals, of a pale-violet colour, and sour astringent taste, efflo- 
rescent, and very soluble in water. Used in diarrhoea and 
chronic dysentery. Dose, gr. v-xv, two or three times a day. 

Ferri et Ammonii Tartras [Tartrate of Iron and Am- 
monium), occurs in transparent, garnet-red scales, of a sweet- 
ish taste, soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol and ether. A 
mild chalybeate. Dose, gr. x-xxx. 

Various other combinations of iron have been from time to 
time introduced into the practice of medicine ; but they are 
needlessly multiplied. The arseniate, acetate, bromide, tannate, 
and valerianate, are recommended by different therapeutists. 

CUPRI PRJPARATA — PREPARATIONS OF COPPER. 

Metallic copper is inert. The salts of copper act locally as 
caustics, irritants, and astringents. When exhibited in small 
doses, they exert a corroborant influence over the cerebro- 



154 MATERIA MEDICA. 

spinal system, and are employed to fulfil the indications to 
which tonics are applicable, as in the cure of ague, neuralgia, 
epilepsy, &c. In larger doses, they act as emetics; and, in 
excessive doses, they produce gastro-intestinal inflammation, 
and disorder of the nervous system ; death, in fatal cases, is 
usually preceded by convulsions, paralysis, and delirium. They 
are employed therapeutically, both as external and internal 
remedies ; externally as stimulants, astringents, styptics, and 
caustics ; internally, as tonics, astringents, and emetics. In 
cases of poisoning from the cupreous compounds, the best anti- 
dote is albumen, as white of eggs, milk, wheaten flour. The 
ferrocyanide of potassium is also very efficacious, forming 
with the cupreous compound an insoluble ferrocyanide of cop- 
per. This salt (which throws down a mahogany-coloured 
precipitate), ammonia (which strikes an azure-blue colour), 
sulphuretted hydrogen or sulphide of ammonium (which throws 
down a deep brownish-black precipitate), and metallic iron (on 
which metallic copper is deposited from a cupreous solution)? 
are tests for the soluble salts of copper. 

Cupri Sulphas {Sulphate of Copper). This salt, known 
as blue stone and blue vitriol, is obtained by roasting the native 
sulphuret, or by combining the oxide of copper and sulphuric 
acid, and occurs also as a by-product in silver-refining. It is 
cwpric sulphate (CuS0 4 ,5H 2 0). It occurs in fine prismatic, 
blue crystals, which, by exposure to the air, effloresce slightly, 
and become covered with a greenish-white powder. It has a 
styptic, metallic taste, is entirely soluble in water, but insoluble 
in alcohol. It is employed as a tonic and nervine. It is an 
excellent remedy in obstinate intermittent fever, neuralgia, and 
essential nervous diseases, in doses of gr. \ to gr. j, or more, in 
pill, repeated so as not to occasion vomiting. As an astringent, 
it may be given in the same doses, and will be found extremely 
valuable in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, and 
enteritis, and chronic catarrh with profuse secretion. As an 
emetic, the dose is gr. iij to gr. v. Externally, it is used as an 
escharotic to fungous granulations, and in solution to arrest 
hemorrhages, mucous discharges, &c. 



PREPARATIONS OF ZINC. 155 

Cuprum Ammoniatum (Ammoniated Copper), (Ammonio- 
sulphate of copper), is made by rubbing together sulphate of 
copper and carbonate of ammonium. It has a deep azure-blue 
colour, a styptic, metallic taste, and an ammoniacal odour. Its 
action is very similar to that of sulphate of copper; but it is used 
principally as an antispasmodic tonic in nervous disorders, — 
epilepsy, chorea, hysteria, spasmodic asthma, &c. Dose, gr. j-, 
gradually increased. 

Cupri Subacetas (Subacetate of Copper), or Verdigris, 
(Cu 2 02C 2 H 3 2 ), occurs in pale, bluish-green or green masses or 
powder. The dose is gr. J- to gr. \ ; but it is a powerful poison 
in an overdose, and hence is rarely given as a tonic. The pow- 
der is used as an escharotic, and an ointment is used. 

ZINCI PR^lPARATA — PREPARATIONS OF ZINC. 

Zinc in its metallic state is inert. Its compounds are very 
analogous in their effects on the system to those of copper, but 
are less energetic. The tests for soluble zinc salts are sul- 
phide of ammonium, which throws down a white sulphide (the 
only white sulphide met with), the alkalies, alkaline carbonates, 
and ferrocyanide of potassium, all of which give white precipi- 
tates. The zinc preparations are employed topically as caustics, 
astringents, and desiccants ; and internally, as tonics, astrin- 
gents, and antispasmodics, and in large doses, as emetics. In 
cases of poisoning (which are, however, very uncommon), albu- 
men, demulcents and opiates are to be administered. 

Zinci Sulphas {Sulphate of Zinc), or White Vitriol, is pre- 
pared by dissolving zinc in diluted sulphuric acid. It occurs 
in small, colourless, transparent, prismatic crystals, resembling 
those of sulphate of magnesium (ZnS0 4 ,7H 2 0). They have 
a metallic, astringent taste, are soluble in water, and insoluble 
in alcohol. Dose, as a tonic, antispasmodic, and astringent, 
gr. j to gr. v ; as an emetic, it is the promptest and safest that 
can be given in cases of narcotic poisoning, in the dose of gr. 
x to gr. xx. Externally, it is much used as a caustic, and in 
solution as an application to inflamed mucous membranes, in the 
strength of gr. j or ij to f§ss of water. 



156 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ZlNCI OxiDUM [Oxide of Zinc), is made by roasting zinc in 
the air. This is an impure form, known as Commercial Oxide 
of Zinc (Zinci Oxidum Venale), sometimes called tutty. A 
purer form is obtained by exposing precipitated carbonate of 
zinc to heat, which expels the carbonic acid and water. It is 
a yellowish-white powder (ZnO), insoluble in water, but solu- 
ble in diluted sulphuric and chlorohydric acids. It has been 
given in diarrhoea, and as an antispasmodic tonic, in doses of 
gr. ij to iij, gradually increased to gr. viij or x, and is highly 
esteemed in the treatment of epilepsy ; but it is chiefly used 
externally as a dusting powder, or in the form of ointment (80 
grains to ointment of benzoin 400 grains). 

Zinca Acetas {Acetate of Zinc), is made by heating commer- 
cial oxide of zinc in a solution of acetic acid and distilled water, 
and occurs in white micaceous crystals (Zn2C 2 H 3 2 ,2H 2 0), 
very soluble in water, and efflorescent in a dry air. It may be 
given internally as a tonic antispasmodic, in the dose of gr. j 
or ij, gradually increased ; but it is used chiefly as a topical 
astringent in ophthalmia, gonorrhoea, leucorrhcea, &c, in the 
proportion of gr. ij to gr. vj, or more, to an ounce of water. 

Zinci Carbonas Pr^icipitata (Precipitated Carbonate of 
Zinc), is obtained by the double reaction of solutions of sul- 
phate of zinc and carbonate of sodium. It is a soft, white 
powder, a mixture of carbonate and hydrate (ZnC0 3 ,2ZnH 2 2 ), 
similar in its action to the oxide, but is chiefly used as a dust- 
ing powder, and to make a mild astringent and desiccant cerate 
(a troyounce to ointment five troyounces). 

Calamina Pr^iparata (Prepared Calamine), obtained by 
heat from calamine, the native impure carbonate of zinc, is a 
pinkish powder, used as a desiccant, and in the form of a cerate, 
called Turner's cerate. Calamine is so frequently adulterated, 
that it is now dismissed from the Pharmacopoeia, though still 
much used. 

Liquor Zinci Chloridi (Solution of Chloride of Zinc), is 
prepared by dissolving zinc (6 troyounces) in muriatic acid, 
then adding nitric acid (150 grains), and evaporating to dry- 
ness ; this is dissolved in distilled water (5 fluidounces), with 



PREPARATIONS OF ZINC. 157 

the addition of precipitated carbonate of zinc (150 grains), 
and, after filtration, enough distilled water is added to make 
the liquid measure a pint. The evaporation of this solution 
yields 

Zinci Chloridium {Chloride of Zinc), (ZnCl 2 ), a whitish- 
gray, semi-transparent, deliquescent mass, having the softness 
of wax, and soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. It has 
been employed internally in doses of gr. j or ij, as an anti- 
spasmodic tonic in chorea, epilepsy, and neuralgia. Its local 
action is that of a powerful caustic, and it is one of the best 
escharotics that can be exhibited, to produce healthy granula- 
tions in malignant or indolent ulcers, especially in lupus. It 
may be used as a lotion in the strength of gr. ij to f§j of water, 
or dissolved in a little alcohol, or in the form of paste, made 
with one part of the salt to two or four of flour. A solution 
of the chloride of zinc is employed as an antiseptic, and is also 
injected into the bloodvessels of anatomical subjects to preserve 
them for dissection. Burnett's Disinfecting Fluid is a solu- 
tion of about 200 grains in a fluidounce of water. 

Zinci Iodidum {Iodide of Zinc), (Znl 2 ), is made by digesting 
an excess of zinc with iodine diffused in water. It occurs in 
the form of a white deliquescent mass, or of fine needles, of a 
metallic styptic taste, very soluble in water. It has been used 
internally, as a tonic, antispasmodic, and astringent, in doses 
of gr. i-ij, best exhibited in the form of syrup. Externally, it 
is a most valuable local stimulant and escharotic, equal if not 
superior in effect to the chloride, and, although not ofiicinal, is 
much used. 

Zinci Valerianas (Valerianate of Zinc), (Zn2C 5 H 9 2 ), is 
prepared by the double reaction of valerianate of sodium and 
sulphate of zinc. It occurs in white pearly scales, having a 
faint odour of valerianic acid, and a metallic styptic taste. 
It dissolves in 160 parts of water and 60 of alcohol. Used in 
epilepsy and nervous affections, in the dose of one or two 
grains, repeated several times a day. 



158 MATERIA MEDICA. 



ARGENT I PR.EPARATA — PREPARATIONS OF SILVER. 

In the metallic state, silver is wholly inert. The only prepa- 
ration which is extensively employed is — 

Argenti Nitras (Nitrate of Silver). This salt (AgN0 3 ) 
is obtained by dissolving silver in diluted nitric acid. It is 
anhydrous, and occurs in transparent, colourless, shining, heavy, 
rhombic plates, which have a strongly metallic and bitter 
taste, are wholly soluble in distilled water, and become black- 
ened by the action of light and organic matters. Its solution 
yields with chlorohydric acid or chloride of sodium a white 
precipitate, entirely soluble in ammonia. 

Physiological Effects. — The topical action of nitrate of silver 
is that of a caustic or corrosive ; and this effect is produced by 
its combining with the albumen and fibrin of the tissues. 
When applied to mucous membranes, it forms a compound with 
the animal matter of the mucus, which protects the tissues 
from the action of the caustic. Hence, large doses may be 
taken with considerable impunity by the stomach. But, in 
excessive quantity, it may occasion gastro-enteric irritation, 
with disturbance of the nervous system ; and in these cases, 
the antidote is common salt (chloride of sodium), or any inert 
chloride, which produces, when in contact with the nitrate, 
nitrate of sodium and chloride of silver. In medicinal doses, 
nitrate of silver has a specific corroborant and antispasmodic 
action on the nervous system ; and, after prolonged use, pro- 
duces a peculiar indelible blueness or slate colour of the skin. 

Medicinal Uses. — Internally, nitrate of silver has been chiefly 
employed as an antispasmodic tonic in the treatment of epi- 
lepsy, and it is among the most reliable remedies that can be 
administered in this intractable affection; but its effect in dis- 
colouring the skin is an objection to its protracted use. It is 
also used in locomotor ataxia, chorea, and gastrodynia, and as 
an astringent in dysentery. But it is as an external agent that 
it is chiefly resorted to. It is the most efficacious application 
that can be made to inflamed mucous membranes, and, either 



SUBNITRATE OF BISMUTH. 159 

in the solid form or in solution, it is employed in every variety 
of inflammation of this tissue. It is also extensively used to 
produce healthy granulations in wounds and ulcers, to arrest 
the progress of erysipelatous inflammation and variolous pus- 
tules, in porrigo and other skin diseases, in strictures, and to 
destroy the virus of chancres and of poisoned wounds. 

Administration. — The dose of nitrate of silver internally is 
gr. -J-, gradually increased to gr. \ or i, three times a day, in 
pill made with some mild vegetable powder. For external use, 
solutions are made of various strengths, from gr. ij to 3ss, in 
an ounce of distilled water. An ointment is also employed. 

Argenti Nitras Fusa {Fused Nitrate of Silver, Lunar 
Caustic). For external use, in the solid form, nitrate of silver 
is melted and poured into small moulds. 

Argenti Oxidum [Oxide of Silver), (Ag 2 0), is obtained by 
adding solution of potassa to a solution of nitrate of silver. 
It is a tasteless, olive-brown powder, very slightly soluble in 
water. Its uses are analogous to those of the nitrate, and it is 
employed in epilepsy, gastrodynia, chronic diarrhoea, uterine 
disease, &c. It is considered to be free from liability to dis- 
colour the skin. Dose, gr. ss to gr. i, twice or thrice daily, in 
powder or pill. 



BISMUTHI SUBNITR AS — SUBNITRATE OF BISMUTH. 

This salt is prepared by first forming the temitrate of bis- 
muth by dissolving bismuth in diluted nitric acid ; as metallic 
bismuth generally contains arsenic, the nitrate thus formed is 
converted into the carbonate, by the addition of solution of car- 
bonate of sodium, whereby most of the arsenic is removed as 
soluble arseniate.of sodium; the carbonate of bismuth is next 
dissolved in nitric acid, and the nitrate of bismuth is again 
formed ; a little water is added to the mixed solution of nitrate 
and arseniate of bismuth, by which the subarseniate is depos- 
ited and separated ; the addition of a large amount of water 
causes a deposition of subnitrate of bismuth ; the supernitrate 
remaining in solution is lastly decomposed by ammonia, which 



160 MATERIA MEDICA. 

takes most of the nitric acid, and precipitates the bismuth 
combined with the remainder, in the form of subnitrate. Sub- 
nitrate of bismuth, known as pearl white and magistery of bis- 
muth (BiONO s ,H 2 0), is a white, inodorous, tasteless powder, 
nearly insoluble in water. In large amounts (two drachms 
have produced death), it acts as a poison, with symptoms like 
those of arsenical poisoning. Its medicinal properties are tonic, 
antispasmodic, and astringent, and it has been employed in 
intermittent fever ; but it is now chiefly used to allay sickness 
and vomiting in chronic nervous affections of the stomach, to 
relieve the pain of gastralgia, and also as an astringent in sub- 
acute and chronic diarrhoea. Dose, gr. v to 3j, or even 5ss, 
in powder or pill. Externally, it is a good remedy in skin 
diseases in the form of ointment. The subearbonate of bismuth 
— bismuthi subcarbonas (Bi 2 2 C0 3 ,H 2 0) — -is recommended as 
a substitute for the subnitrate. It is thought to be more 
readily tolerated by the stomach, and is more soluble in the 
gastric juice, but it is less astringent. The test for a soluble 
salt of bismuth is a piece of paper wetted with a solution of 
sulphocyanide of potassium, and dried, which will produce a 
yellow spot at the point of contact. 

CADMII SULPHAS — SULPHATE OF CADMIUM. 

This salt is obtained by the addition of sulphuric acid to car- 
bonate of cadmium ; the latter salt being first procured by the 
reaction of carbonate of sodium upon nitrate of cadmium, pre- 
viously made by dissolving cadmium in nitric acid and water. 
It occurs in transparent, colourless, prismatic crystals (CdS0 4 ), 
of an astringent, austere taste, and very soluble in water. In 
its effects on the system, it closely resembles sulphate of zinc, 
but it has been chiefly used in this country as a collyrium (gr. 
j-ij to water f 5j), and has been found very efficacious in specks 
and opacities of the cornea. 



MINERAL ACIDS. 161 



CERII OXALAS — OXALATE OF CERIUM. 

This salt (Ce"C 2 4 ,3H 2 0), is usually made by adding a 
solution of oxalate of ammonium to any soluble salt of cerium, 
and is also obtained from the mineral cerite. It occurs as a 
snow-white, granular powder, inodorous and tasteless, insoluble 
in water, alcohol, and ether, but dissolved by sulphuric acid. 
It is believed to resemble the salts of silver, bismuth, and zinc 
in its effects, and has lately been deservedly extolled in obsti- 
nate forms of vomiting, especially the vomiting of pregnancy. 
In chorea, and other neuroses, it is also highly recommended. 
Dose, a grain three times a day, or oftener, in pill or suspended 
in water. The nitrate of cerium has been also employed, and 
is more soluble. Dose, somewhat less. 



ACIDA MINERALIA — MINERAL ACIDS. 

The diluted mineral acids are usually classed with tonics ; 
but, although they exert a very considerable corroborant influ- 
ence on the system, their action is in many respects peculiar 
and distinctive. In the concentrated form, they are corrosive. 
When properly diluted with water and swallowed in medicinal 
doses, they allay thirst, increase the appetite, and stimulate 
digestion. After absorption into the blood, they often produce 
a restorative effect in morbid conditions of the circulating fluid, 
and in their passage out by the secretions, act as astringents. 
They are employed — as tonics, usually in combination with the 
vegetable bitters, in dyspepsia, especially when it is dependent 
on a deficiency of the gastric fluid ; as antalkalines, to correct 
the morbid alkalinity of the blood in typhoid and other essen- 
tial fevers, and in purpura, scurvy, and analogous blood dis- 
eases ; as astringents and styptics in hemorrhage from the 
stomach and bowels, and in colliquative discharges ; to allay 
febrile heat and cutaneous irritation ; in phosphatic lithiasis ; 
and locally, as escharotics ; and, in very dilute solution, they 
are injected into the bladder as lithontriptics. In cases of 

11 



162 MATERIA MEDICA. 

poisoning from the mineral acids, the alkaline earths and fixed 
oils are the proper antidotes. 

Acidum Sulphuricum {Sulphuric Acid), (H 2 S0 4 ), formerly 
called Oil of Vitriol, is obtained by burning sulphur, mixed 
with nitre, over a stratum of water contained in a chamber 
lined with sheet-lead. It is a dense, colourless, inodorous, 
corrosive liquid, of a strongly acid taste and an oily consist- 
ence, which unites with water in all proportions, with the 
evolution of heat. When of the sp. gr. 1.845, it contains one 
equivalent of water. It should have, as directed by the Phar- 
macopoeia, the sp. gr. 1.843 7 when it contains 79 per cent, of 
anhydrous acid ; but it is never found of a sp. gr. over 1.835. 
The diluted acid is readily detected by a soluble salt of barium, 
which precipitates a white insoluble barium sulphate ; veratria, 
introduced into the diluted acid, and evaporated to dryness, 
leaves a crimson deposit. In the concentrated form, it is not 
employed internally, but is sometimes used externally as a 
caustic. When swallowed, it acts as a violent corrosive poison, 
usually staining the lips, mouth, and fauces with white or 
black sloughs ; occasionally, the action of the poison is spent 
upon the upper part of the larynx, and death takes place 
from asphyxia, without the entrance of the poison into the 
stomach. The proper antidote is magnesia or chalk, or solution 
of soap, and mucilaginous drinks should be afterwards freely 
administered. 

Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum {Diluted Sulphuric Acid), 
contains two troyounces of sulphuric acid in a pint of acid 
diluted with distilled water. It is given as a tonic, refrigerant, 
and astringent, in the dose of from ten to thirty drops, three 
times a day, in water, and should be sucked through a tube to 
prevent injury to the teeth. This acid is a particularly valu- 
able remedy in typhus and typhoid fevers, colliquative perspi- 
rations, cholera, and choleraic diarrhoea; and it is the best 
corrective for phosphatic lithiasis. Some observations have been 
made which seem to assign it prophylactic powers against epi- 
demic cholera. It is used externally as a gargle, and a wash 
to ulcers. 



MINERAL ACIDS. 163 

Acldum Sulphuricum Aromaticum [Aromatic Sulphuric 
Acid), or Elixir of Vitriol, is made by digesting six troyounces 
of sulphuric acid in a pint of alcohol, then percolating a troy- 
ounce of ginger and a troyounce and a half of cinnamon with 
alcohol till a pint of tincture is obtained, and mixing the tinc- 
ture with the diluted acid. It is a reddish-brown liquid, with 
an aromatic odour and a pleasant acid taste ; and is an agree- 
able substitute for the diluted sulphuric acid, administered in 
the same doses. 

Acldum Sulphurosum [Sulphurous Acid), is made by heat- 
ing sulphuric acid with charcoal and distilled water. The sul- 
phuric acid is deprived of an equivalent of oxygen by the 
charcoal, and becomes sulphurous acid (H 2 S0 3 ). It is a 
colourless liquid, having the smell of burning sulphur, and a 
sulphurous, sour, and somewhat astringent taste. It has been 
only of late years employed in medicine, and is believed to have 
a special influence in destroying parasitic life. Internally, it 
is very efficacious in sarcina ventriculi, or yeast vomiting ; dose, 
f5j, largely diluted with water. Externally, it is used in skin 
diseases (particularly those of a parasitic nature, either animal- 
cular or cryptogamous), diluted with two or three measures of 
water or glycerin. The sulphite of sodium — sodii sulphis (Na 2 
S0 3 ,7H 2 0) — is used as a substitute for sulphurous acid, which 
is developed from the salt by any of the organic acids. It 
occurs in white, efflorescent, prismatic crystals, of a sulphurous 
taste, soluble in four parts of cold and one part of boiling 
water. Dose 5j, three times a day ; a solution (5i— f§i of 
water) is a good local application in erysipelas. The hyposul- 
phite of sodium (Na 2 S 2 3 ,5H 2 0) is used for the same purposes. 
It occurs in white, tabular crystals, of a pearly lustre and sul- 
phurous taste, which are very deliquescent, and very soluble in 
water and alcohol, and insoluble in ether. Dose, gr. x-xx, 
three times a day, and for external use, 5j dissolved in water, 
f§j. Both the sulphite and hyposulphite of sodium have been 
found efficacious in intermittent and remittent fevers. The 
sulphite is perhaps the more efficacious salt. Potassii sulphis 
[sulphite of potassium) (K 2 S0 3 ,2H 2 0), occurs in white, opaque 



164 MATERIA MEDICA. 

fragments or powder, of a saline and sulphurous taste, very 
soluble in water; its uses and doses are the same as those of 
sulphite of sodium. The sulphite of magnesium (MgS0 3 ,6H 2 0), 
is also employed in zymotic diseases, and is less unpalatable 
than the sodium salt, and besides contains a larger propor- 
tional quantity of acid. The sulphites of sodium, potassium, 
and magnesium are employed in the treatment of purulent 
infection. Sulphites of calcium and ammonium have been also 
recommended. 

Acidum Nitricum {Nitric Acid) (HN0 3 ), is obtained by the 
action of sulphuric acid upon nitrate of potassium. When 
pure, it is colourless ; but, as found in the shops, it is usually 
of a straw colour, owing to the presence of hyponitric acid. It 
should have a sp. gr. 1.420 (when it contains 60 per cent, of 
anhydrous acid), and is a corrosive, sour liquid, evolving white 
fumes when exposed to the air. It may be recognized, by giving 
off orange-coloured fumes, when added to metallic copper and 
other metals, by the morphia test (see p. 55), and by striking a 
blood-red colour with brucia. It is employed, in the concen- 
trated form, as an escharotic to destroy warts and stimulate indo- 
lent sinuses, and diluted, as an astringent wash or gargle. 
Cases of poisoning from this acid are to be treated with mag- 
nesia or soap, and mucilaginous drinks. In poisoning from 
nitric acid, the fauces and mouth are covered with yellow 
eschars. Internally, it is used in the form of 

Acidum Nitricum Dilutum {Diluted Nitric Acid), which 
contains three troyounces of acid in a pint of diluted acid. 
This is given as a substitute for sulphuric acid, but is more apt 
to disagree with the stomach ; it is also employed as an altera- 
tive in syphilis, and has been found useful in whooping-cough. 
Combined with laudanum and camphor-water, it is much used 
in the treatment of dysentery, under the name of Hope's Cam- 
phor Mixture (camphor water f^viij, nitric acid f5i, laudanum 
25 drops) ; dose, f'oss, repeated. Dose, for internal use, 20 to 
40 drops, three times a day, reduced with water. 

Acidum Muriaticum (Muriatic Acid), is an aqueous solu- 
tion of hydrochloric acid gas (HC1), of sp. gr. 1.160, and is 



MINERAL ACIDS. 165 

obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on a solution of chloride 
of sodium or common salt. It is, when pure, a transparent, 
colourless liquid, but has often a yellow colour, owing to the 
presence of chlorine, iron, or other contaminations. It gives 
off dense white fumes when in contact with ammonia, and 
evolves chlorine gas when heated with peroxide of manganese ; 
in the diluted state, it produces, with solution of nitrate of sil- 
ver, a white precipitate, insoluble in boiling nitric acid, but 
soluble in ammonia. It has a corrosive taste, and a suffocating 
odour, and is an active poison, though less 'irritating than sul- 
phuric and nitric acids. Magnesia or soap is the proper anti- 
dote. It is used, externally, as a caustic, and as an application 
in diphtheria, ulcerative and gangrenous stomatitis, &c. ; inter- 
nally, in the form of 

Acidum Muriaticum Dilutum {Diluted Muriatic Acid), 
which contains four troyounces of acid in a pint of diluted 
acid. This is employed in typhoid and typhus fevers, malig- 
nant scarlatina, &c. ; also to counteract phosphatic deposits in 
the urine, to prevent the generation of worms, in syphilis, in 
dysentery, and in some forms of dyspepsia. Dose, twenty to 
sixty drops, which may be given in infusion of rose. 

Acidum Nitro-Muriaticum {Nitro-Muriatic Acid). This 
acid is made by mixing three troyounces of nitric acid with five 
troyounces of muriatic acid, and consists of two compounds of 
chlorine and nitric oxide (N 2 2 C1 4 and NOC1), mixed with free 
chlorine. It has a deep golden-yellow colour, and emits the 
smell of chlorine, which is the chief active constituent. Inter- 
nally, it is employed as a stomachic tonic, and is thought also 
to be particularly efficacious in oxaluria, and in diseases of the 
liver and syphilis. It should not be given with mercurials. 
Externally, it is used as a bath, either local or general, in oxa- 
luria, syphilis, and chronic hepatitis, for which purpose one or 
two ounces of acid may be added to a gallon of water. Dose, 
from two to five drops, properly diluted, and carefully increased. 

Acidum Nitro-Muriaticum Dilutum {Diluted Nitro-Muri- 
atic Acid), contains four troyounces of acid in a pint of diluted 
acid ; dose, ten to twenty drops. 



I6t> MATERIA MEDICA. 

Acidum Oxalicum {Oxalic Acid), (H 2 C 2 4 ,2H 2 0). This 
acid (which is a vegetable and not a mineral acid, although 
analogous in its action to the latter group) is found in many 
vegetables, as the sorrels, and is often deposited in the bladder 
as oxalate of calcium, or mulberry calculus. It is usually 
obtained by decomposing sugar or starch with nitric acid, 
and occurs in small, colourless, prismatic crystals, having 
an intensely sour taste, and is soluble in water, decompos- 
able by heat without residue. It is used medicinally with 
success in typhoid fever, in scurvy, and purpura, and as 
an astringent to check the colliquative perspirations of 
phthisis, and the expectoration of chronic bronchitis. Dose, 
gr. J to gr. 1, three or four times a day. It is a viru- 
lent acro-narcotic poison, in large amounts, acting with very 
great rapidity and certainty ; and, as its crystals resemble 
those of Epsom salt, it is often sold by mistake for that purga- 
tive, from which it may be distinguished by its acid proper- 
ties, and, in solution, by nitrate of silver (which yields a white 
precipitate, soluble in cold nitric acid), and by calcium salts 
(which precipitate white oxalate of calcium, soluble in nitric 
acid). The proper antidote is chalk or magnesia, mixed with 
water. Salt of sorrel, a crystalline compound of oxalic acid with 
acid potassium oxalate, produces analogous poisonous effects. 



ORDER V. — ASTRINGENTS. 

These are medicines which produce contraction and corruga- 
tion of the tissues. Their constitutional effects are somewhat 
analogous to those of tonics ; as, like them, they increase the 
tone and vigour of the body, and exercise a control over 
various disorders of the nervous system. But they are chiefly 
employed to cure relaxation of the fibres and tissues, to subdue 
inflammation of superficial parts, and to arrest hemorrhage and 
excessive discharges from mucous membranes or other secret- 
ing surfaces. In checking morbid discharges from the bowels, 
astringents, while they diminish the secretions from the intes- 



TANNIC ACID. 167 

tinal canal, do not, like opium, restrain the peristaltic move- 
ments ; hence the necessity of combining them with opiates. 
Thej are divided into Vegetable and Mineral astringents. 
Most of the former owe their astringency to the presence of 
a principle termed tannic acid, and differ from tonics in 
the absence of bitterness. The mineral preparations, usually 
classed among astringents, are those of alum and lead, and are 
distinguished from the mineral astringent-tonics by their more 
decided astringency, and a sedative action on the vascular 
system. 

VEGETABLE ASTRINGENTS. 
ACIDUM TANNICUM — TANNIC ACID. 

This acid, which is the active principle of the vegetable astrin- 
gents, is usually extracted from powdered nutgalls by the 
action of washed ether. The nutgall, made into a soft paste 
with ether, is enveloped in a canvas cloth, and is pressed 
between tin plates ; the resulting cake is again mixed with 
washed ether and expressed ; and the expressed liquids are 
mixed, evaporated, and dried ; the water seems to be the solvent 
which extracts the tannic acid. It is a light, feathery, non-crys- 
talline powder, of a yellowish-white colour, and a strongly 
astringent taste, is very soluble in water, and soluble, though 
less so, in alcohol and ether. It produces a white flocculent 
precipitate with solution of gelatine, a bluish-black precipitate 
with ferric salts, and white precipitates with solutions of the 
vegetable alkalies ; and these substances are to be, therefore, 
considered incompatible with all the vegetable astringents. 
There is a variety of tannic acid {mimo-tannic acid) obtained 
from kino, catechu, and some other substances, which strikes 
a greenish-black precipitate with the salts of iron, and is not 
convertible into gallic acid. Tannic acid is C 27 H 22 17 ; it is a 
glucoside, yielding, like many other substances, glucose, when 
boiled with diluted sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, the other 
product being gallic acid. 



168 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Effects and Uses. — Tannic acid is a powerful astringent, and 
is applicable to all the cases in which astringents are useful. 
It is now believed, however, that, owing to its coagulating in- 
fluence on albumen, tannic acid is not absorbed in the stomach, 
and cannot produce constitutional effects until converted into 
gallic acid ; but this is probably again changed in the blood 
into tannic acid by combination with glucose. It is used in- 
ternally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, 
hemorrhage, colliquative sweats, &c. ; also as an enema in 
diarrhoea, dysentery, prolapsus ani, and fissure of the rectum ; 
and, as a topical application, in hemorrhages, inflammations, 
and morbid discharges from mucous membranes, ulcers, &c. 
It is, perhaps, the best form in which the vegetable astringents 
can be employed, owing to the certainty and minuteness of the 
dose in which it can be given. Dose, gr. j to gr. iij, or iv, in 
pill, occasionally repeated. Troches of tannic acid are made 
by rubbing together a troyounce of tannic acid, 10 troyounces 
of powdered sugar, and 120 grains of powdered tragacanth, 
and forming a mass with orange flower-water, to be divided into 
480 troches ; each troche contains a grain of tannic acid. Sup- 
positories of tannic acid contain each 2 grains of tannic acid. 
For external use, the glycerite of tannic acid (glyceritwn acidi 
tannici) is employed ; it is made by rubbing together and dis- 
solving at a gentle heat 2 troyounces of tannic acid in half a 
pint of glycerin. Ointment of tannic acid, (unguentum acidi 
tannici) is made by rubbing up 30 grains of tannic acid with a 
troyounce of lard. 

ACIDUM GALLIC UM — GALLIC ACID. 

This principle is found in many of the vegetable astringents, 
but less uniformly than tannic acid, and is probably the result 
of changes which the latter has undergone. It is prepared by 
exposing a mixture of nutgalls in water to the air, when the 
tannic acid gradually absorbs oxygen and is converted into 
gallic acid; it is purified by being boiled in water and filtered 
through animal charcoal. It occurs in small, silky, nearly 



NUTGALL. 169 

colourless crystals, having a slightly acid and astringent taste, 
and is soluble in boiling water, and slightly so in cold water. 
It is H 3 C 7 H 3 5 ,H 2 0. 

Effects and Uses. — Gallic acid is a valuable astringent, which 
has of late been extensively employed in hemorrhagic disorders, 
as uterine hemorrhage, hemoptysis, hematuria, bloody diar- 
rhoea, &c. Both tannic and gallic acids have been found useful 
in albuminuria. Gallic acid has but feeble local astringent 
powers, and is probably converted into tannic acid in the blood ; 
given by the stomach, it is more efficacious than the latter acid. 
It may be given in doses of gr. ij to gr. v, in pill, every two 
or three hours. G-lycerite of gallic acid is made by the same 
formula as that of tannic acid. 



GAL LA — NUT GALL. 

Nutgall is a morbid excrescence found upon Quercus in- 
fectoria, or the Gall-Oak (Nat. Ord. Corylacese), a small tree 
or shrub of Asia Minor. The Gall-nuts are produced by the 
puncture of the buds by a fly (Cynips qiiercusfolii or Diplolepis 
g alios tinctorice) to form a nidus for its eggs. This occasions an 
irritation and flow of juices to the part, resulting in the forma- 
tion of a tumour round the larva, which, on attaining maturity, 
perforates the gall and escapes. Galls are produced chiefly in 
Syria and Asia Minor, and are imported from the Levant. 
They are brought also from Calcutta, being collected to some 
extent in India. Galls are spherical, about the size of a 
hickory-nut, but of varying dimensions, with small tubercles 
on their surface. The best are bluish or black externally, and 
grayish within, without odour, and of a very astringent, bitter 
taste. They yield their properties to both water and alcohol, 
but best to the former, and contain both tannic and gallic 
acids. White galls are collected after they have been perfo- 
rated by the insect, and are inferior in astringency. 

Effects and Uses. — Galls are powerfully astringent, but are 
not much used internally. In the form of infusion or decoc- 
tion, they are employed as enemata in diarrhoea and dysentery, 



170 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and also as gargles. Dose of the powder, gr. x to gr. xx. 
The tincture (four troyounces to diluted alcohol Oij) may be 
given in the dose of f5j to foiij, hut it is chiefly used as a 
chemical test. The ointment (one part to seven parts of lard) 
is a favourite application in hemorrhoids. 



CATECHU. 

Catechu, formerly called Terra Japonica, is an extract of 
the wood of Acacia Catechu, a small prickly tree of India 
(Nat. Ord. Fabacese). Twelve or fifteen varieties of the drug 
are described by pharmacologists ; but it is usually met with 
in the shops, in masses of various shapes and sizes, of a rusty- 
brown colour externally, and varying internally from a reddish 
or yellowish-brown to a dark-brown colour. The best is of a 
dark colour, and is easily broken into small angular fragments, 
with a smooth, glossy surface, bearing some resemblance to 
kino. It is without smell, and has an astringent, bitter taste. 
It contains about 50 per cent, of tannic acid (of the variety 
which strikes a greenish-black precipitate with the salts of 
iron), and about 30 per cent, of a peculiar extractive, called 
catechuic acid, to both of which it owes its peculiar properties ; 
also, in small amount, a principle call quercitin. 

Effects and Uses. — This is one of the most powerful and 
valuable of the vegetable astringents, possessing also mild tonic 
properties. It is much employed in diarrhoea, dysentery, 
hemorrhages, and in all cases of immoderate discharge, unat- 
tended with inflammatory action. It is a good deal used in 
relaxed conditions of the mouth and throat, to relieve the 
hoarseness of public speakers, also in aphthous ulcerations of 
the mouth, and spongy affections of the gums. Topically, it is 
employed as a styptic, and in solution as an injection in gonor- 
rhoea and gleet, &c. Dose of the powder, gr. x to 5ss in bolus 
or emulsion. 

Infusum Catechu Compositum (Compound Infusion of 
Catechu), is made by adding boiling water (Oj) to powdered 
catechu (half a troyounce), and cinnamon (5j) — dose, foj to 



KINO. 171 

fgij, three or four times a day. Of the tincture (three troy- 
ounces to diluted alcohol Oij, with cinnamon two troyounces), 
the dose is f5j to f5iij- 

KINO. 

The term Kino is applied to the products of several trees. 
Five varieties are known. 1. East India kino, which is the 
most common, and is the inspissated juice of Pterocarpus 
marsupium (Nat. Ord. Fabaceae), a lofty tree of Malabar, 
2. African kino, the original variety introduced into Europe, 
but not now met with ; obtained from Pterocarpus erinaceus 
(Nat. Ord. Fabacese). 3. Jamaica kino, the extract of the 
wood and bark of Coccoloba uvifera, or Seaside Grape (Nat. 
Ord. Polygonacese), a small tree of South America and the 
West Indies. 4. South America or Caraccas kino, which is 
probably derived from Coccoloba uvifera. 5. Botany Bay 
kino, the concrete juice of Eucalyptus resinifera (Nat. Ord. 
Myrtacese), a large tree of Australia. 

East India kino is met with in small, angular, shining frag- 
ments, of a dark -brown or reddish-brown colour, brittle, with- 
out smell, but with a very astringent taste. It contains tannic 
acid (of the second variety), kinoic acid (which is the red 
colouring matter), pectin, ulmic acid, and inorganic salts. 

South American kino comes in large masses, externally very 
dark, and internally of a deep reddish-brown colour. 

Jamaica kino is like the last, but contained in large gourds. 

Effects and Uses. — Kino is a powerful astringent, and is 
much used in diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, leucorrhoea, gonor- 
rhoea, hemorrhages, &c. Externally, it is employed as a 
styptic, and as a stimulant to indolent ulcers. Dose, of the 
powder gr. x to 5ss ; of the tincture (5vj (mixed with an equal 
bulk of dry sand) to diluted alcohol, consisting of two measures 
of alcohol and one measure of water, fgviij), f5j or f5ij may be 
given, and it is frequently added to chalk mixture in diarrhoea. 
It spoils by keeping. 



172 MATERIA MEDICA. 



KEAMERIA — RHATANY. 



Rhatany is the root of Krauieria triandra [Nat. Ord. Poly- 
galese), a shrub of Peru. It occurs in woody cylindrical pieces, 
of the thickness of a goose-quill to twice that size — many radi- 
cles being often united to a common head. They have a dark, 
reddish-brown bark, and a tough central ligneous portion, of a 
lighter red colour. They are without smell, but have a very 
astringent, slightly bitter and sweetish taste, which is much 
stronger in the cortical than the ligneous portion ; and, hence, 
the smallest pieces should be preferred, as they contain the 
most bark. Rhatany yields a large proportion of tannic acid 
(of the second variety), and a peculiar acid, termed krameric, 
both of which probably contribute to its astringency. It im- 
parts its properties to both cold and boiling water, but more 
fully to alcohol. 

Effects and Uses. — Rhatany is powerfully astringent, with 
some tonic properties. It is much used in the treatment of 
diarrhoea, dysentery, hemorrhages, &c, and as an enema in 
fissure of the anus, hemorrhoids, leucorrhoea, &c. The pow- 
dered extract is an ingredient in many tooth-powders, and the 
tincture is also used as an astringent mouth-wash. Dose of the 
powder gr. xx to gr. xxx. But it is more employed in infusion 
(a troyounce to boiling water Oj), dose, f Sj or f §ij ; watery 
extract, dose gr. x to gr. xv ; fluid extract, dose f 5ss-i ; tincture 
(six troyounces to diluted alcohol Oij), dose f 5j to f 5ij ; and 
syrup (twelve troyounces percolated with water till four pints 
of filtered liquor are obtained, which is to be evaporated to 
seventeen fluidounces, and in this thirty troyounces of sugar 
are to be dissolved by gentle heat), dose f 5j to f 5ss ; or the 
syrup may be made by adding twelve fluidounces of the fluid 
extract to twenty-four fluidounces of syrup. 

HilMATOXYLO N — L G W D . 

Logwood, or Campeachy wood, is the heart-wood of Has- 
matoxylon Campechianum (Nat. Ord. Fabaceae), a medium-sized 



WHITE OAK BLACK OAK. 173 

tree of Campeachy and other maritime parts of tropical America, 
and now naturalized in the West Indies. The portion used in 
medicine, and also as a dye, is the heart-wood, from which the 
bark and white sap-wood are removed, previously to exporta- 
tion. It is imported in billets of different sizes, of a dark 
colour externally, and a deep-red internally ; in the shops it is 
kept in chips or raspings. It has a sweetish, astringent, and 
rather peculiar taste, and a feeble, not unpleasant smell. It 
contains kino-tannic acid, a colouring principle called hcematin 
or hcematoxi/Un, volatile oil, resin, &c. 

Effects and Uses. — It is a mild astringent, useful in chronic 
diarrhoea and dysentery, and particularly well adapted to the 
weakened condition of the bowels, which follows cholera infan- 
tum, and is also much employed in the diarrhoea of phthisis. 
It is given either in decoction (a troy ounce to water Oij, boiled 
down to Oj), in the dose of fSj to f§ij to adults, and f5j to f5ij 
to children ; or watery extract in the dose of gr. x to 5ss, in 
solution. 



QUERCUS ALBA — WHITE OAK. QUERCUS TINCTORIA — 
BLACK OAK. 

The barks of several species of American oaks possess astrin- 
gent properties, and are probably to be found in the shops, but 
the only officinal varieties are Quercus Alba, White Oak, and 
Quercus Tinctoria, Black Oak [Nat. Ord. Amentacese). The 
inner bark is the portion used, but the leaves and acorns also 
are astringent. White Oak-Bark is distinguished by its whitish 
colour. When prepared for use, it is deprived of its epidermis, 
and is of a light brown colour and fibrous texture, with an as- 
tringent and bitterish taste. Water and alcohol extract its 
virtues, which depend mainly on the presence of tannic and gallic 
acids, with a bitter principle, termed quercin. Black Oak-Bark 
is more furrowed, has a darker colour, a more bitter taste, and 
stains the saliva yellow when chewed ; it is much employed as 
a dye, under the name of quercitron. It contains a larger pro- 
portion of tannic and gallic acids than the white oak-bark. 



174 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



Effects and Uses. — A decoction of white oak -bark is a good 
remedy in diarrhoea and hemorrhoids, and is employed as an 
enema in hemorrhoids, and prolapsus and fissure of the anus, 
as a gargle in relaxation of the uvula, and as an injection in 
leucorrhoea. It is used as a bath in the bowel-complaints of 
children ; and a poultice of the ground bark is applied in gan- 
grene. Black oak-bark is too irritating for internal exhibition : 
but for external use is a stronger astringent than the white 
oak-bark. Of the decoction of white oak (decoctum quereds 
albce). (a troyounce to water Oj), fSij may be taken frequently. 



GERANIUM 
Fig. 1*7. 




UVA URSI. 175 

One of the most powerful of the indigenous astringents is 
Geranium maculatum, Crowfoot, or Cranesbill (Nat. Ord. Ge- 
raniaceae), a perennial herbaceous plant, growing in moist 
woody situations, with an erect stem, one to two feet high, 
three to five-lobed, incised, pale-green, mottled leaves, and large 
purple flowers, which appear in April and May. The part used 
is the ehizome, which should be collected in the autumn. This, 
when dried, occurs in wrinkled, rough pieces, from a quarter to 
a half an inch in thickness, furnished with slender fibres, of a 
dark-brown colour externally, and a pale-flesh colour within. 
It has an astringent, but not bitter taste, little or no smell, and 
contains tannic and gallic acids, with some mucilage. 

Effects and Uses. — This is an excellent simple astringent, 
agreeing very well with the stomach, and might be advanta- 
geously substituted for more expensive foreign drugs. It may 
be used internally to fulfil the indications of kino, rhatany, &c, 
in bowel complaints and hemorrhages, and topically as an ene- 
ma, gargle, injection, &c. It is also a valuable styptic. Dose 
in powder, gr. x to xx ; of the decoction (a troyounce to water 
Oj), f§j to f§ij may be given ; this is not officinal. A decoction 
in milk is given to children. The fluid extract may be given 
in doses of 5ss-5i. 



UVA URSI. 

Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi, or Bearberry (Nat. Ord. Eri- 
caceae), is a small, trailing, evergreen shrub, with coriaceous, 
obovate leaves (somewhat like box leaves and red whortleberry 
leaves), about half an inch in length, pale rose-coloured flowers, 
appearing from June to September, and small red berries, 
which ripen during the winter. It is found in the northern 
parts of Asia, Europe, and America. The leaves are the 
only part used. When dried, they have a faint hay-like odour, 
and a bitterish, astringent taste. They yield their virtues to 
water and alcohol, and contain tannic and gallic acids, a prin- 
ciple termed ursin (which is said to act as a diuretic in the dose 
of a grain), a crystallizable glucoside, termed arbutin, extract- 



176 MATERIA MEDIC A. 



ive. rosin, gum, &c; ursin is, however, now considered to be 

allic a 

Fig. 18. 



arbvtin contaminated with gallic acid 




Effects and Uses. — Uva Ursi is astringent, tonic, and diu- 
retic, and exercises a particular control over discharges from 
mucous surfaces. Hence, its employment in catarrh of the 
bladder, chronic bronchitis, with profuse discharge, &c. It is 
also applicable to the ordinary uses of the vegetable astringents. 
Dose of the powder 3j to 3ij, three times a day ; but it is 
usually given in decoction (a troy ounce to water Oj), of which 
foj to f§ij may be taken three times a day. The fluid extract 
may be given in the dose of f 5ss-f5j. 

CH IMA PHIL A — PIPSISSEWA. 

Chimaphila umbellata, Pipsissewa, Wintergreen, or Ground- 
Holly {Nat. Ord. Pyrolaceae), is a small, indigenous, evergreen 
plant, common to the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and 
America, and found abundantly in woody situations in all parts 
of the United States. It has an erect stem, three to ten inches 
high, lanceolate, somewhat wedge-shaped, serrated, dark-green 



PIPSISSEWA. 



177 



leaves, arranged in irregular whorls, and beautiful five-petaled 
flowers, of a white colour tinged with red, and a very agreeable 

Fig. 19. 




perfume, which appear in June. The leaves are the officinal 
portion. In the fresh state, they have a fragrant smell when 
bruised, which they lose after drying. Their taste is bitterish 
and astringent, but somewhat aromatic. They contain tannic 
acid, bitter extractive, resin, and probably some acrid volatile 
constituent — as the fresh leaves, when bruised and applied to 
the skin, will cause redness and even vesication ; arbutin, also, 

12 



178 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

has been lately found in these leaves, and, generally, in plants 
belonging to the orders Pvrolacese and Ericaceae. 

Chimaphila macnlata, or Spotted Pipsissewa, possesses analo- 
gous properties to those of C. utnbellata, from which it differs 
principally in the character of its leaves. They are of a deep 
olive-green colour, veined with greenish-white ; and the flowers 
are a pure white, and appear in July. 

Effect and Uses. — Pipsissewa is astringent and tonic, and 
also diuretic. It is employed in the disorders of the urinary 
organs to which uva ursi is applicable, and also for its diuretic 
properties in dropsy, attended with debility of the digestive 
organs. Indeed, it is classed by some therapeutists among the 
diuretics. It is usually given in decoction (a troyounce to 
water Oi), of which Oj may be taken in the twenty-four hours ; 
and a fermented decoction, made with molasses, ginger, and 
yeast, is often used. The fluid extract may be given in doses 
of f.5ss-i. 

The following vegetable astringents deserve notice, though 
less frequently employed than the foregoing : 

Granati Fructus Cortex (Pomegranate Bind). This is 
the rind OF the fruit of Punica Granatum, the Pomegranate 
tree (Nat. Ord. Myrtacese), a small tree of Northern Africa, 
Syria, and Persia, now naturalized in the warmer portions of 
Europe, the West Indies, our Southern States, &c. The rind 
of the fruit is a powerful astringent, but is little used inter- 
nally, from its liability to occasion nausea. Dose, in powder, 
gr. xx to 5ss ; but it is best given in decoction (a troyounce to 
water Oj), not officinal ; dose, fSj. 

Rosa Gallica (Red Rose). Rosa Centifolia (Pale Rose). 
The petals of these two species of rose are officinal, but those 
of almost every other species of cultivated rose may be em- 
ployed for the same purposes as rosa centifolia, which is not 
astringent. The red rose is a mild astringent, and is chiefly 
used in conjunction with sulphuric acid, in the infusum rosce 
compo8itum — compound infusion of rose (half a troyounce to 
boiling water Oijss, diluted sulphuric acid f5iij, sugar a troy- 



ALUM-ROOT. 179 

ounce and a half) ; dose, foij to foiv. The confection is used 
as a basis for pills. Mel Rosce {Honey of Hose), made with 
diluted alcohol and clarified honey, is used as an addition to 
gargles ; the syrup is added to mixtures. The pale rose is 
slightly laxative. Aqua Rosce {Rose Water), distilled from 
the pale rose, is much employed in collyria, &c. Unguentum 
Aqua? Rosce {Ointment of Rose Water) is made by melting 
together expressed oil of almond, 3 troyounces and a half, 
spermaceti, a troyounce, white wax, 120 grains, and then grad- 
ually adding Rose water, 2 fluidounces ; this is a very soothing 
application, much used under the name of cold cream. 

Diospyrus {Persimmon). The unripe fruit of Diospyros 
Virginiana (Nat, Ord. Ebenaceae), an indigenous tree, is em- 
ployed in diarrhoea, dysentery, and uterine hemorrhage, in in- 
fusion, syrup, and vinous and acetous tinctures. The bark is 
bitter and astringent, but is not officinal. 

Tormentilla (Tormentil). The rhizome of Potentilla Tor- 
mentilla (Nat. Ord. Rosacese), a European plant, is used in 
Europe as an astringent, in the dose of 5ss to 5j, but is seldom 
or never employed in this country. 

Rueus (Blackberry). The bark of the root of Rubus 
villosus, and Rubus Canadensis (Nat Ord. Rosaceae), the 
former an erect, prickly shrub, and the latter a creeping brier, 
are very efficient mild astringents, which have been used with 
excellent effect in bowel-complaints, especially those of children. 
The astringency resides principally in the cortical portion, and 
hence the smallest roots should be preferred ; of the decoction 
(not officinal), (a troyounce to water Oj), foij may be taken fre- 
quently. 

The fluid extract may be given in doses of f5i-ij ; the syrup 
is made by adding half a pint of the fluid extract to a pint and 
a half of syrup. Dose, a tablespoonful. 

Heuchera (Alum-root). The rhizomes of Heuchera Amer- 
icana and other species of Heuchera (Nat Ord. Saxifragacese), 
indigenous plants known under the common name of Alum- 
root, with radical leaves somewhat like those of the maple, and 
numerous radical flower-stems, one or two feet in height, with 



180 MATERIA MEDICA. 

rose-coloured flowers arranged in pyramidal panicles — possess 
vorv decided astringent properties, and may be used both ex- 
ternally and internally. 

A large number of vegetable substances, both indigenous 
and foreign, have been used as astringents, in addition to those 
enumerated — the astringent principle being the most common 
medicinal quality with which plants are endowed. 

The foregoing list comprises all the more important. 

CEEASOTUM — CREASOTE. 

Creasote is a peculiar substance obtained from wood-tar, or 
from crude pyroligneous acid. When pure, it is a colourless, 
oleaginous liquid, with a caustic, burning taste, and a penetra- 
ting, disagreeable characteristic odour, like that of smoked 
meat. Its sp. gr. (U. S. P.) is 1.046 ; its formula is C 8 H 10 O 2 . 
It forms two solutions with water, one of 1 part to 80 parts of 
water, the other of 1 part of water to 10 parts of creasote ; and 
it is soluble, in all proportions, in alcohol, ether, naphtha, and 
acetic acid. It is distinguished from carbolic acid, by not coag- 
ulating collodion when mixed with it, and by not imparting a 
blue colour to a slip of pine wood dipped first into an alkaline 
solution of creasote, and then, after drying, into muriatic acid. 
A remarkable property of creasote is its power of preserving 
meat, whence its name (from upeag, flesh, and <7«C<y, I save). 

Effects and Uses. — Creasote, in large doses, is an acro- 
narcotic poison. In small doses, it is styptic and astringent, 
and, though not very nearly allied to the vegetable astringent 
articles, which contain tannic acid, it is, perhaps, more generally 
administered for its astringent than for any other properties. 
It is an excellent remedy in hsetnatemesis, and is also employed 
in haemoptysis and other hemorrhages. It is very efficacious 
in allaying vomiting and gastric irritability, and has been ex- 
hibited for its astringent virtues with good effect in diarrhoea, 
diabetes, and chronic bronchitis, and as a nervine in epilepsy, 
hysteria, neuralgia, &c. Externally, it is applied, in various 



CARBOLIC ACID. 181 

degrees of dilution, to indolent, sloughing, and foul ulcers ; in 
several cutaneous affections ; as a gargle in putrid sore throat ; 
and for the relief of deafness. In the concentrated form, it is 
a good styptic in capillary hemorrhages, and is applied with 
effect to the hollows of carious teeth, for the removal of the 
pain of toothache. Albumen is to be given in cases of poisoning 
from creasote, and stimulants are to be freely administered. 

.Dose, internally, one to two drops, frequently repeated, in 
pill, or diluted with mucilage. 

For external use, from two to six drops, or more, may be 
added to a fluidounce of distilled water. 

Aqua Creasoti (Creasote Water) (5i to distilled water Oi), 
contains 3.72 minims in each fluidounce. Dose, f5j-iv. 

Creasote ointment contains half a fluidrachm of creasote in 
an ounce of lard. 

ACIDUM CARBOLIC U M — CARBOLIC ACID. 

This substance, termed also phenic acid, phenylic acid, and 
phenylic alcohol, is a product of the distillation of coal-tar oil. 

Impure Carbolic Acid (Acidum Carbolicum Impurum) 7 
is made by treating the impure coal-tar of commerce with a 
w r eak alkaline solution, when it is resolved, on the addition of 
water, into a light oil and a heavier alkaline liquid; the latter 
is separated and neutralized with muriatic acid, and the impure 
carbolic acid, which is disengaged, is afterwards distilled from 
dried chloride of calcium, to remove water, when, upon exposing 
the distillate to a low temperature, carbolic acid congeals in the 
form of a colourless crystalline mass. 

In its pure state, it is solid at ordinary temperatures, crys- 
tallizing in minute plates or long rhomboidal needles, white or 
colourless, of a peculiar empyreumatic odour like that of crea- 
sote (but not identical with it), and an acrid burning taste ; 
if even slightly impure, it has a reddish colour, or will acquire 
it, upon exposure. Its sp. gr. is 1.065, and it deliquesces upon 
exposure, and readily assumes the liquid state in the presence 
of a little water, without dissolving in it. When quite pure, it 



132 MATERIA MEDICA. 

melts at 106° F., forming an oily-looking colourless liquid, 
which boils at 859° F. It is soluble in 20 parts of water, and 
very soluble in alcohol, ether, acetic acid, glycerin, and the 
fixed and volatile oils. Its solution coagulates collodion, -which 
distinguishes it from creasote. Although it combines with sali- 
fiable bases, it does not act as an acid upon colours, and would 
be properly designated as flienylic alcohol, or the hydrated 
oxide of phenyl (C 6 H 5 ,HO). 

Effects and Uses. — Carbolic acid is a local irritant, and, 
when applied to the skin or mucous membranes, produces 
severe pain, with a white eschar. Taken internally in large 
quantities, it acts as a powerful irritant poison, with an action 
on the brain, shown by contracted pupils, stertorous breathing, 
insensibility, coma, and frequently death, from asphyxia ; its 
external application has destroyed life. As an antidote, in 
cases of poisoning, a saturated solution of saccharate of cal- 
cium has been lately recommended. In small doses, its local 
effects upon the gastro-enteric mucous membrane resemble those 
of creasote, and after absorption (as shown by experiments upon 
the lower animals), it exercises a decided influence upon the 
nerve-centres. Its most interesting property, however, is its 
destructive influence upon the lower forms of vegetable and 
animal life, through which it arrests fermentation, and produces 
a powerful disinfectant and antiseptic effect. It is used inter- 
nally to check vomiting, as an astringent in diarrhoea, in sar- 
cina ventriculi, as an anthelmintic, and in zymotic diseases, as 
scarlatina, diphtheria, &c. As an external application, its uses 
are still more important. It is employed in the concentrated 
form as a caustic in hospital gangrene, and to produce local 
anaesthesia, and in various forms of dilution, as an application 
in diphtheria, in cutaneous eruptions (especially those of organic 
origin), as a dressing to foul ulcers, abscesses, and sinuses, to 
compound fractures, to carbuncles, to burns and scalds, to sup- 
purating surfaces, with a view to the prevention of pyaemia, 
and, from its influence in coagulating albumen, as an haemos- 
tatic. Under the belief that carbolic acid destroys the organic 
floating germs, which produce inflammation and suppuration 



CARBOLIC ACID. 183 

upon wounded surfaces, washings and dressings with solutions 
of this acid (1 part to 40 parts of water), are now much em- 
ployed, as first suggested by Professor Lister, of Edinburg. 
It is also a most valuable disinfectant. The dose, internally, 
is one or two grains, or, if liquefied by heat, one or two drops, 
in sweetened water or glycerin. For disinfectant purposes, 
the impure liquid acid (which contains from 70 to 90 per 
cent, of carbolic and cresylic acids jointly, with impurities 
derived from coal-tar), answers very well. Carbolates of sodium 
and potassium have been also employed. Suppositories of Car- 
bolic Acid (Suppositoria Acidi Carbolici), contain each one 
grain of carbolic acid. Grlycerite of Carbolic Acid (Grlyceritum 
Acidi Carbolici), is made by rubbing together 2 troyounces of 
carbolic acid with half a pint of glycerin, until the acid is dis- 
solved; of this 4 minims may be given internally. Carbolic 
Acid Water (Aqua Acidi Carbolici), contains 10 fluidrachms 
of the glycerite dissolved in distilled water enough to make the 
mixture measure a pint; dose, f5ss-i. Ointment of Carbolic 
Acid ( Unguentum Acidi Carbolici), contains 60 grains of car- 
bolic acid in 420 grains of ointment. 

Recently, Sulpho-Carbolic Acid and various salts of this 
acid have been employed. Sulpho-carbolic acid (HC 6 H 5 S0 4 ) is 
thought to be a more efficient antiseptic and disinfectant than 
carbolic acid alone. The Sulpho-Carbolate of Zinc (Zn(C 6 
H 5 S0 4 ) 2 ,H 2 0) is believed to combine the virtues of zinc-salts and 
carbolic acid, and has been used with success internally in diar- 
rhoea, in the same doses as the sulphate of zinc, and externally, 
in aqueous solution of from 3 to 6 grs. to the ounce, as an in- 
jection in gonorrhoea, and as a dressing for wounds and ulcers. 
Sulpho-carbolates of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, 
and quinia have also been employed ; they are recommended as 
antiseptics in cholera and zymotic diseases generally ; 10 or 15 
grains of sodium sulpho-carbolate is a good remedy for flatu- 
lence. The sulpho-carbolate of lead might be used where the 
acetate of lead is indicated, and the corrective action of car- 
bolic acid is called for, while its solubility in glycerin and alco- 
hol adapt it to external application. 



184 MATERIA MEDICA. 



ACIDUJI SALIC Y LICU M — SALICYLIC ACID. 

This acid, although known for nearly half a century as a 
derivative of salicin (see p. 141), has been employed only re- 
cently as an article of the Materia Medica. It has been 
prepared from the flowers of Spiroea TJlmaria. or Meadow- 
Sweet, and from the oil of G-aultheria (where it exists as 
methyl salicylate), and by the oxidation of salicin. It is now 
made by combining pure carbolic acid with caustic soda, and 
treating this compound with dry carbonic acid under the influ- 
ence of a gradually increasing heat, when one-half of the car- 
bolic acid distills over, while the other half, into the molecule 
of which carbonic acid enters, remains behind as salicylate of 
sodium ; from a hot aqueous solution of this, saturated with 
muriatic acid, salicylic acid (C 6 H 4 {g5) H ), is obtained in the 
form of minute, broken, acicular crystals (having usually the 
appearance of a pale-brownish granular powder), which are 
bleached with great difficulty. It is odourless and nearly taste- 
less, having, however, a sweet and astringent after-taste, with 
slight acridity in the fauces. It is practically insoluble in cold 
water, but quite soluble in boiling water, a hot aqueous solution 
retaining when cold, in proportion to its coldness, from 1 part in 
250 to 500 parts of the solution. The addition of 2 parts 
of sodium sulphite, or 1 part of ammonium phosphate, or 3 
parts of sodium phosphate, renders it much more soluble in 
water. It is freely soluble in alcohol, ether, and glycerin. 

Effects and Uses. — In its effects, salicylic acid is allied to 
carbolic acid, possessing probably greater powers as an antisep- 
tic, and in arresting the putrefactive and fermentative processes, 
while it is devoid of smell or notable taste, is not volatile, and is 
also, in quantities necessary for effective action, free from irritant 
or poisonous influence. It has been, thus far, used chiefly as 
an external application : as a detergent and desiccant, sprinkled 
dry on wounds or ulcers, in the form of powder, or mixed in 
various proportions, with some inert powder as starch ; or a 
solution, 1 part to 300 parts of water, may be used as a sub- 



PREPARATIONS OF LEAD. 185 

stitute for the antiseptic carbolic dressing; the stronger solu- 
tion with phosphate of sodium, 1 part to 50 parts of water, is 
used to wash or spray foul surfaces, or as an application in 
diphtheria ; a solution of a grain to f§i of water is a good injec- 
tion in gonorrhoea and collyrium in conjunctivitis. Internally, 
salicylic acid has been administered with advantage in diph- 
theria, in catarrh of the bladder, with alkaline fermentation of 
the urine or albuminuria ; and its use has been suggested in 
various forms of zymotic disease. Dose, 15 to 30 grains daily. 
Whether employed internally or externally, it passes rapidly 
into the urine, and gives with chloride of iron a blue or violet 
reaction. The acid retains its antiseptic properties, only so 
long as it remains in the free state. 

MINERAL ASTRINGENTS. 
PLUMBI PR^PARATA — PREPARATIONS OF LEAD. 

Metallic lead is considered inert. The sulphuret and sul. 
phate are probably also inactive ; but, with these exceptions, 
all the compounds of lead possess more or less activity. When 
administered in therapeutical doses, they act as astringents in 
the alimentary canal, checking secretion, and causing consti- 
pation. After absorption, they produce a diminution in the 
volume and frequency of the pulse, and in the activity of the 
secreting functions, and frequently arrest sanguineous dis- 
charges, both natural and artificial. In excessive doses, several 
of the saturnine compounds are irritant and corrosive poisons, 
giving rise to gastro-enteric inflammation. The proper anti- 
dotes are sulphuric acid, or some alkaline or earthy sulphate, 
in solution in a large quantity of diluent. The hydrated ses- 
quisulphuret of iron is said also to act as an antidote. The 
tests for lead are sulphuretted hydrogen, and a solution of 
iodide of potassium ; the former strikes a black and the latter 
a yellow precipitate, with soluble lead salts. 

When the system becomes impregnated with lead, either from 
the too long-continued use of its preparations medicinally, from, 
drinking water drawn through lead-pipes, or from exposure to 



186 MATERIA MEDICA. 

its influence in lead-factories, &c, a peculiar kind of chronic 
poisoning is produced, which shows itself in a variety of symp- 
toms. The most usual form of lead-poisoning is colic, some- 
times termed colica Pictonum, and painter s colic, which is 
characterized by sharp abdominal pains, with hardness and 
depression of the abdominal parietes, obstinate constipation, 
nausea, vomiting, &c. Next in frequency is lead-arthralgy, 
in which there are severe pains in the limbs, attended by 
cramps, hardness, and tension of the painful parts. Lead- 
paralysis is another, though less common, variety of the dis- 
ease, and is characterized by a loss of voluntary motion, owing 
to the want of contractility of the' muscular fibres of the 
affected parts. It most frequently affects the upper extremities, 
and the extensor rather than the flexor muscles. Occasionally, 
functional disease of the brain is also observed as one of the 
consequences of lead-poisoning. The absorption of lead into 
the system is recognized by a saturnine coloration of the gums, 
of the mucous membrane of the mouth, and of the teeth. The 
antidotical treatment of chronic lead-poisoning consists in the 
internal administration of solutions of sulphuric acid and of 
soluble alkaline and earthy sulphates, and in the use of baths 
of sulphuret of potassium, dissolved in warm water, by which 
the salts of lead, deposited on the skin, are converted into the 
insoluble sulphuret. The iodide of potassium is employed as 
an eliminative remedy. For lead-colic, a combination of ca- 
thartics and opiates has been employed ; but the best remedy is 
alum, in doses of 5j or 5ij, every three or four hours, dissolved 
in some demulcent liquid. In the treatment of lead-palsy, 
strychnia and electricity may be used, but it is a very intract- 
able form of the disease. The use of sulphuric acid lemonade 
is resorted to, by workmen in lead factories, as preventive of 
lead-poisoning. Milk has been found also to answer the same 
purpose. By passing a strong solution of the sulphuret of 
potassium or of sodium, heated to the temperature of 212° F., 
through leaden pipes, the interior surface will become coated 
with an insoluble sulphuret of lead, and the water distributed 
through them will be free from contamination. 



PREPARATIONS OF LEAD. 187 

Therapeutically, the preparations of lead are employed as 
astringents, sedatives, and desiccants. For internal use, the 
acetate is almost exclusively employed. It is a most valuable 
remedy in hemorrhages, from its combined sedative and astrin- 
gent influence, and is also very serviceable in fluxes from the 
mucous membranes, particularly of the bowels. Topically, 
lead-washes are employed to relieve superficial inflammation, 
to arrest morbid discharges, and as desiccants. They are 
objectionable, however, as eye washes, from their often forming 
precipitates of lead upon the cornea, which are highly inju- 
rious. 

Plumbi Acetas {Acetate of Lead). This salt (Pb2C 2 H 3 2 ), 
known also as Saccliarum Saturni or Sugar of Lead, is made 
by immersing lead in distilled vinegar, or litharge in pyro- 
ligneous or crude acetic acid. It occurs in colourless, needle- 
shaped crystals, which effloresce on exposure to the air. They 
have an acetous odour, and a sweetish, astringent taste, and 
are soluble in both water and alcohol. The mineral acids and 
their soluble salts, the alkalies and alkaline earths, and vege- 
table astringents, are incompatible with acetate of lead. 

Effects and Uses. — The effects of this salt are those of the 
saturnine preparations, which have been already described. 
Its medicinal influence is sedative and astringent. In hemor- 
rhages, it is more employed internally than any other remedy, 
usually in combination with opium. And this combination is 
also much resorted to in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, 
and cholera, and may be prescribed with advantage to arrest 
the secretion of bronchitis and the night sweats of phthisis, 
and in the cure of internal aneurism. In yellow fever, it is 
employed to check the hemorrhagic condition of the gastric 
mucous membrane. It is a dangerous remedy in chronic dis- 
eases, from the liability to lead-poisoning. As a topical remedy, 
acetate of lead, in aqueous solution, is extensively employed to 
relieve inflammation and diminish morbid discharges. 

Lose, gr. j or ij to gr. viij, two or three times a day. 
When applied to mucous membranes, the strength of the solu- 
tion may be gr. ss to gr. j or ij, to water f'5j — for phlegmonous 



188 MATERIA MEDICA. 

inflammation, 5ij to water Oj. Suppositories of Lead (Sup- 
positoria Plumbi) contain each 8 grains of acetate of lead; 
for suppositories of lead and opium, see p. 60. 

Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis (Solution of Subacetate of 
Lead), This preparation, frequently termed Goulard's Ex- 
tract, is an aqueous solution of the diacetate of lead (Pb 3 2 2C 2 
H 3 2 ), and is made by boiling acetate of lead and litharge in 
distilled water. It is a colourless liquid, of sp. gr. 1.267, 
which is decomposed on exposure to the air, with the formation 
of insoluble carbonate of lead, and occasions a dense white pre- 
cipitate with solution of gum. In other respects it resembles 
a solution of acetate of lead. 

Uses. — It is chiefly employed, diluted, to promote the 
resolution of external inflammation and arrest discharges from 
suppurating, ulcerated, and mucous surfaces. The officinal 
dilution is Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Lilutus, commonly known 
as lead-water, and consists of solution f5iij, to distilled water 
Oj. Ceratum Plumbi Subacetatis, or Goulard's Cerate, is made 
by mixing four troyounces of melted white wax with seven 
troyounces of olive oil, afterwards adding two fluidounces and 
a half of Goulard's extract, and thirty grains of camphor dis- 
solved in a troyounce of olive oil; it is an admirable dressing 
to excoriated and blistered surfaces, burns, scalds, &c. Lini- 
mentum Plumbi Subacetatis (Liniment of Subacetate of Lead), 
is made by mixing 3 troyounces of olive oil with 2 troyounces 
of Goulard's extract. 

Plumbi Iodidum (Lodide of Lead) (Pbl 2 ), is made by the 
double reaction of solutions of nitrate of lead and iodide of 
potassium. It is a bright-yellow, heavy, inodorous powder, 
volatilizable by heat, sparingly soluble in cold water, but more 
soluble in boiling water. It is used chiefly to reduce the 
volume of indolent tumours, and may be given internally in 
the dose of gr. iij or iv, or more, in pill ; but it is principally 
employed externally in the form of ointment (5j to ointment 
420 grains). 

Plumbi Nitras (Nitrate of Lead) (Pb2N0 3 ) made by dis- 
solving litharge in diluted nitric acid, occurs in white, nearly 



PREPARATIONS OF LEAD. 189 

opaque, octohedral crystals, permanent in the air, of a sweet, 
astringent taste, and soluble in water and alcohol. It may be 
given internally, as a sedative astringent, in doses of gr. \ to 
gr. j, twice or thrice daily, in pill or solution. But its prin- 
cipal use is as a topical agent in the treatment of wounds, 
ulcers, and cutaneous affections. Ledoyens Disinfecting Fluid 
is a solution of nitrate of lead 5j in water f oj- 

Plumbi Oxidum [Oxide of Lead) (PbO) or Litharge, is pre- 
pared by blowing air through melted lead, and is also obtained 
in the process for extracting silver from argentiferous galenas. 
It occurs in minute yellowish or orange-coloured scales, inso- 
luble in water, and is never employed internally. It is some- 
times sprinkled over ulcers, but its chief use is in the prepa- 
ration of Emplastrum Plumbi or Lead-Plaster (called also 
diachylon), which is made by boiling litharge (thirty troy- 
ounces) with olive oil (fifty-six troyounces) in water, and is, 
chemically, a mixture of oleate and margarate of lead. It 
serves as a basis for most of the other plasters. Emplastrum 
Saponis (Soap-Plaster), made by rubbing up soap (four troy- 
ounces) with lead plaster (thirty-six troyounces), is an excellent 
discutient. Soap-Cerate is made by melting together two troy- 
ounces of soap-plaster and two troyounces and a half of yellow 
wax, and afterwards adding four troyounces of olive oil. 

Plumbi Carbonas (Carbonate of Lead), or White Lead 
(PbC0 3 ), is manufactured in this country by exposing lead to 
the fumes of vinegar or acetic acid, carbonic acid being derived 
from the fermentation of tan, in which the pots containing lead 
are packed; acetate of the protoxide of lead, as formed, is 
converted into carbonate. It is a white powder, without 
smell or taste, and insoluble in water, and, as it occurs in 
commerce, is a compound of the carbonate and hydrate of 
lead (PbC0 3 +Pb2HO). It is never administered internally, 
but it is employed as a dusting powder — though there is 
danger of its absorption. Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis (60 
grains to ointment 420 grains), is a good application to burns, 
&c. White paint is used for the same purpose ; but, when 
applied to a large surface, it may produce lead-poisoning. 



100 MATERIA MEDICA. 



ALU MEN — ALUM. 



Alum is a double salt, a sulphate of aluminium and ammo- 
nium (Al s 3S0 4 ,Am 2 SO 4 ,24H 2 O). It is found native in Italy, 
in the neighbourhood of Rome, but is usually manufactured 
from aluminous schist, and sometimes by the direct combination 
of its constituents. It crystallizes in regular octohedrons ; but 
it is commonly found in the shops in large, colourless, trans- 
parent crystalline masses, without any regular form. It has 
an astringent and sweetish acid taste ; by exposure to the air 
it slowly effloresces ; it is soluble in cold water, and more so in 
boiling water ; and when heated, it undergoes the watery fusion, 
swells up, gives out its water of crystallization, and is converted 
into a white, spongy mass, called dried alum. The alkalies 
and their carbonates, lime-solution, magnesia and its carbonate, 
tartrate of potassium, acetate of lead, and the vegetable astrin- 
gents, are incompatible with alum. 

Besides the ammonia alum, there are varieties in which the 
ammonia is replaced by some other base, as potassa or soda ; 
the alum of commerce was formerly the sulphate of aluminium 
and potassium (A1 2 3S0 4 ,K 2 S0 4 ,24H 2 0), but this has been 
superseded by ammonia alum. 

Physiological Effects. — The immediate topical effect of alum 
is that of a powerful astringent, in virtue of a chemical action 
on the tissues. When it is applied to a part, in large quan- 
tities, the astriction is soon followed by irritation ; and thus, 
taken internally in excessive doses, it gives rise to vomiting, 
griping, purging, and even inflammation of the gastro-enteric 
mucous membrane. After its absorption, it acts as an astrin- 
gent on the system generally, and produces astriction of the 
tissues and fibres, and a diminution of secretion. 

Medicinal Uses. — Alum is employed internally in hemor- 
rhages, chronic diarrhoea, colliquative sweating, diabetes, &c, 
and it is sometimes combined with cubeb in the treatment of 
gleet, gonorrhoea, and leucorrhcea. It has been recommended 
in dilatation of the heart and aneurism of the aorta, and has 



STIMULANTS. 191 

also been given as an emetic in croup. Its use in lead-colic 
has been alluded to. As a topical remedy, it is extremely 
valuable as an astringent antiphlogistic, in ophthalmia, diphthe- 
ria, tonsillitis, &c. ; to produce contraction of the tissues, in 
relaxation of the uvula, prolapsus ani, &c. ; as a styptic in 
hemorrhages ; and to arrest excessive secretion from the mu- 
cous surfaces. In hemoptysis and bronchitis, a strong solution 
of alum may be applied by atomization. 

Dose, gr. x to 3j or 3ij, in powder, or solution, or made into 
pills, with some tonic extract, and combined with an aromatic, 
as nutmeg, to prevent nausea. It may be agreeably given in 
the form of whey, prepared by boiling 5ij with milk Oj, and 
straining, of which the dose is f§ij. Topically, it is employed 
in the forms of powder, solution, and poultice, the latter of 
which is made by rubbing up whites of eggs with alum, and is 
applied to the eye in ophthalmia, between folds of linen. Dried 
alum (alumen exsiccatum) is employed internally in the dose 
of gr. v-x, and externally as a mild escharotic. 

Aluminii Sulphas [Sulphate of Aluminium) (A1 2 3S0 4 , 
9H 2 0), is employed externally as an astringent and antiseptic 
application to ulcers, an injection in gonorrhoea, &c. The 
aqueous solution is used to preserve bodies for dissection. 
A paste, made of a mixture of sulphate of aluminium, and sp. 
nitrous ether, applied to the cavity of a carious tooth, is a good 
remedy for toothache. 

ORDER VI. — STIMULANTS. 

Stimulants are medicines, which produce a rapid and tem- 
porary exaltation of the vital functions. Their influence is 
most conspicuous in conditions of morbid depression, when a 
marked tolerance of their action is established, and large 
amounts are borne. In health, when the powers of the system 
are at the normal standard, stimulants soon induce depression. 
Topically, they irritate and inflame the parts to which they are 
applied, and hence are classed with irritants. 

They are employed principally in disorders known as as- 



192 MATERIA MEDICA. 

thenic, and in all conditions of the system attended with ex- 
haustion. From their action in arousing; the energies of the 
nervous s} T stem, they exercise a control over many nervous 
disorders, particularly those of a spasmodic nature. They are 
also frequently given with a view to their action on some one 
or other of the secretions. As stimulants to the gastro-intes- 

CD 

tinal canal, they are administered to promote digestion (when 
they are called stomachics), and to dispel flatulence (when they 
as known as carminatives). Topically, they are employed as 
rubefacients, vesicants, &c. 

The more powerful and rapid stimulants are called diffusible. 
In overdoses, they act as violent narcotics and sedatives. The 
diffusible stimuli usually employed are vinous and spirituous 
liquors and the preparations of ammonia. Vegetable stimu- 
lants which contain a volatile oil are termed aromatics, and are 
usually given as stomachics and carminatives. Their volatile 
oils are also employed as local irritants. 



DIFFUSIBLE STIMULANTS. 
ALCOHOL. 

Alcohol is a product which results from a process termed the 
vinous fermentation, in substances containing grape-sugar. At 
a temperature of 80° F., the presence of a fermenting body 
converts a solution of grape-sugar into alcohol and carbonic 
acid. Starchy substances, being convertible into grape-sugar, 
also yield alcohol. Alcohol is obtained from vinous or fer- 
mented liquors, by repeated distillation. It is, chemically, a 
hydrated oxide of ethyl (C 2 H 5 HO). For officinal purposes, it 
should be of the specific gravity 0.835, when it contains about 
fifteen per cent, of water. It is a colourless, inflammable 
liquid, wholly vaporizable by heat, and unites in all proportions 
with water and ether. Contamination of fusel oil or amylic 
alcohol may be detected by agitation with concentrated sul- 
phuric acid, when, if the alcohol becomes coloured, the presence 
of the impurity is indicated in proportion to the depth of the 



ALCOHOL. 193 

colour; or solution of nitrate of silver, with exposure to a 
bright light, will convert fusel oil into a black powder. A 
stronger alcohol, alcohol fortius, sp. gr. 0.817, is made by shak- 
ing officinal alcohol with heated carbonate of potassium. This 
is nearly free from water and fusel oil, and is used for pharma- 
ceutical purposes. 

Physiological Effects. — Alcohol is the intoxicating ingredient 
of all vinous and spirituous liquors. It is a powerful diffusible 
stimulant, the effects of which are most conspicuous in disease, 
while in health it soon begins to produce narcosis — in small 
doses, exciting the vascular and nervous systems, increasing the 
heat of the body, exhilarating the mental faculties, and stimu- 
lating the secretions ; in larger amounts, disordering the stomach, 
destroying the control of the will over the voluntary muscles, 
and inducing incoherence, delirium, sopor, or other form of de- 
rangement of the intellectual functions ; and, in excessive 
quantity, acting as a narcotic poison, producing coma and death. 
The treatment in cases of poisoning from alcohol is the same as 
that which is to be pursued in cases of poisoning from opium. 
Ammonia is a physiological antidote. The habitual use of al- 
coholic narcotics in excess gives rise to a well-known train of 
mental and physical disorders : dyspepsia, visceral obstructions, 
cirrhosis of the liver, gout, dropsy, mania-a-potu, paralysis, 
and even confirmed insanity. Topically, alcohol acts as an 
irritant. 

Medicinal Uses. — Alcohol, in the form of vinous and spirit- 
uous liquors, is employed to rouse and support the system in 
debility, asphyxia, syncope, the latter stages of acute attacks, 
typhoid and typhus fevers, asthenic and malignant diseases, 
exhausting hemorrhages and suppurations, gangrene, to counter- 
act the effects of the bites of venomous reptiles, in mania-a-potu, 
and in poisoning from digitalis, tobacco, and other narcotics : 
also as a stomachic in colic, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, &c. 
In typhoid and typhus fevers, alcohol probably acts as a phy- 
siological antidote to the blood-poison, and should be given in 
the very first stages of the fevers. Indeed, the early adminis- 
tration of the preparations containing alcohol furnishes our 

13 



194 MATERIA MEDICA. 

best means of counteracting the depressing action of disease in 
general. As a topical application, alcohol is used to produce 
cold bj its evaporation ; as a styptic ; to harden the cuticle 
over delicate parts ; and as a stimulant. Mixed with white of 
eggs, it forms a good coating to bed-sores. 

Alcohol Dilutum (Diluted Alcohol), or Proof Spirit, con- 
sists of equal parts of alcohol and distilled water, and has a 
sp. gr. 0.941. It is used exclusively for pharmaceutical pur- 
poses. 

Vinum ( Wine). The fermented juice of the grape consists 
of water and alcohol in varying proportions, with volatile oil, 
cenanthic acid and ether, tannic, malic, and other acids, bitar- 
trate of potassium, &c. Wine loses most of its cream of tartar 
by age. It is employed medicinally in typhus and typhoid 
fevers, exhausting chronic diseases, extensive suppurations, 
gangrene, &c. In typh-fevers, it constitutes our chief thera- 
peutic resource, and may be administered to the amount of one 
or two pints in the twenty-four hours, either pure, or in the 
form of wine-whey. This is made by adding from a gill to half 
a pint of white wine to a pint of boiling milk, separating the 
curd from the whey, and flavouring with sugar and spices. 

The officinal wines are Vintjm Xericum (Sherry Wine), and 
Vinum Portense (Port Wine). Port contains tannic acid, 
and is preferred in dysentery, diarrhoea, &c, for its astringency. 
Madeira, which is the strongest of the white wines, is an ex- 
cellent stimulant, but may be objectionable from its acidity. 
Champagne is a pleasant stimulant, where gastric irritability is 
present. Madeira and Port contain about 23 per cent, of alco- 
hol ; Sherry, 19 per cent.; Champagne, 13 per cent. As ar- 
ticles of diet, the stronger wines, when used in excess, often 
produce gout, dropsy, and diseases of the kidneys and liver ; 
and, except in advanced age, and in feeble constitutions, or 
where the tuberculous diathesis exists, cannot but be considered 
as objectionable. 

The malt liquors are useful where more permanent stimuli 
are called for, as in diseases tending to emaciation, chronic 
abscesses, &c. The best are porter and ale. 



PREPARATIONS OF AMMONIA. 195 

Spiritus Vini Gallict (Brandy), is obtained by the distil- 
lation of wine. It contains about 50 per cent, of alcohol, with 
water, volatile oil, tannic acid, colouring matter, &c. It is the 
best stimulus, where a rapid and decided impression is called 
for, as in collapse, syncope, &c. ; and, from the tannic acid 
which it contains, is useful in bowel-complaints. Spiritus 
Frumenti (Whisky), obtained from fermented grain by distil- 
lation, is of about the same alcoholic strength as brandy, and 
may be substituted for it ; it does not contain tannic acid. 
Rum (Spiritus Sacchari), the ardent spirit obtained from sugar, 
is more sudorific than brandy. Gin (Spiritus Juniperi), is 
corn spirit flavoured with oil of juniper; and, owing to the oil 
of juniper, which it holds in solution, it is an active diuretic as 
well as stimulant and stomachic. Arrack, the spirit of Eastern 
countries, is prepared from a fermented infusion of rice. 
Spiritus Myrci^e (Spirit of Myrcia), Bay-rum, the spirit 
obtained by distilling rum with the leaves of myrcia acris, is a 
refreshing local application. 

AMMONIA PRJPARATA — PREPARATIONS OF 
AMMONIA. 

Ammonia is a gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen 
(NH 3 ), usually obtained by the action of lime on sal ammoniac 
(or chloride of ammonium). It is a powerful stimulant and 
local irritant, but is rarely used in medicine. The following 
preparations of Ammonia are employed as diffusible stimuli : 

Aqua Ammonite Fortior (Stronger Water of Ammonia). 
This is an aqueous solution of ammonia of the specific gravity 
0.900. It is a colourless liquid, wholly volatilizable by heat, 
of a caustic, acrid taste, and a very pungent odour of ammonia ; 
and is too strong for medicinal use, internally, in its unmixed 
state, containing 26 per cent, of gaseous ammonia. It is a 
powerful corrosive poison, for which the diluted acids, as vinegar, 
lemon juice, &c, are the proper antidotes. It is used externally 
as a vesicant, and has the advantage over cantharicles of a more 
speedy operation and non-affection of the urinary organs. 



196 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Aqua Ammonije ( Water of Ammonia), has a specific gravity 
of 0.960, containing nearly 10 per cent, of ammonia, and is 
employed as a stimulant, sudorific, antacid, and rubefacient. 
As a stimulant, ammonia is admirably adapted for speedily 
rousing the action of the vascular and respiratory systems, 
especially when it is an object at the same time to promote the 
action of the skin. For this purpose it is employed in low 
forms of disease, particularly in the typhoid exanthemata, in 
syncope, in asphyxia from narcotic poisons, and to counteract 
the effect of the bites of venomous reptiles. In dyspepsia, it 
is useful with a view to the relief both of acidity and flatulence. 
For internal use, other preparations of ammonia are generally 
preferred, and this is used chiefly as a rubefacient. Dose, in- 
ternally, ten to thirty drops, largely diluted. As a rubefacient, 
the officinal liniment may be used (a fluidounce of water of 
ammonia to two troyounces of olive oil). 

Spiritus Ammonite (Spirit of Ammonia), is a solution of 
ammonia in alcohol. It is given as a stimulant, antispasmodic, 
and carminative, in the dose of ten to thirty drops, diluted 
with water. But a pleasanter preparation, with similar pro- 
perties, is 

Spiritus Ammonia Aromaticus (Aromatic Spirit of Am- 
monia). This is made by dissolving a troyounce of carbonate 
of ammonium in three fluidounces of water of ammonia, pre- 
viously mixed with four fluidounces of water, then dissolving 
two fluidrachms and a half of oil of lemon, forty minims of oil 
of nutmeg, and fifteen minims of oil of lavender, in a pint and 
a half of alcohol, afterwards mixing the two solutions, and 
adding water enough to make the whole measure two pints. It 
is a very agreeable antacid stomachic and stimulant, and may 
be given in the dose of thirty drops to f5j, or more, diluted 
with water. 

Ammonii Carbonas (Carbonate of Ammonium). This salt 
sometimes termed volatile alkali, is a sesquicarbonate (N 4 H 16 C 3 
8 ), and is prepared by subliming a mixture of chloride of 
ammonium and chalk. It occurs in whitish, transparent masses, 
wholly dissipated by heat, of a pungent, ammoniacal odour, an 



ARNICA. 197 

acrid, alkaline taste, and is soluble without residue in water. 
On exposure to the air it becomes opaque, falls into powder, 
and deteriorates by the loss of ammonia. 

Effects and Uses. — Its indications are the same as those of 
solution of ammonia, to which it is preferred for internal ex- 
hibition as a diffusible stimulant. It is especially valuable in 
pneumonia, and by some therapeutists is relied on to the ex- 
clusion of other medication in this disease. It has also been 
recommended in diabetes, and in scrofula, attended with a 
languid circulation. Dose, gr. v to xx, in pill, or preferably 
in solution with gum and sugar. Mixed with some aromatic 
oil (as that of bergamot or lavender), it is used as a smelling 
salt, in syncope, hysteria, &c. 

ARNICA. 

Arnica montana, Leopard's-bane (Nat. Ord. Asteraceae), is 
a perennial, herbaceous plant, found in northern Germany and 
other northern countries of Europe, and also in the north- 
western portions of America. The flowers are described by 
the U. S. Pharmacopoeia as the officinal portion, but the article 
of commerce consists really of the heads, from which fre- 
quently the involucre has been removed ; they are brought 
here from Germany. They are large, of a fine orange-yellow 
colour, of a strong, disagreeable odour, when fresh (which is 
diminished by desiccation), and an acrid, bitterish taste. The 
root also is used in Europe. Both contain a volatile oil, and 
an alkaloid principle termed arnieina has been found in them. 
Arnica is a stimulant, with emetic and cathartic properties in 
large doses. Its effects, internally, are not very well under- 
stood in this country, where it is little used, except externally, 
in the form of fomentation, or lotion, for the relief of bruises, 
sprains, and local paralysis. The extract (alcoholic) is given 
in doses of gr. v-x. This is chiefly used, however, in making 
& plaster (emplastrum arnica?, one part of extract to two parts 
of previously melted resin plaster). The tincture (six troy- 
ounces to alcohol Ojss, water Oss, with, after percolation, the 



I OS MATERIA MEDICA. 

addition of diluted alcohol enough to measure Oij) is used as a 
local stimulant, often mixed with soap liniment. 

Phosphorus is obtained from the phosphate of calcium 
of bone-ash, by removing the lime with sulphuric acid, and 
afterwards deoxidizing the residuum by heating with charcoal. 
It is a translucent, highly inflammable, nearly colourless solid, 
resembling wax, without taste, but having a peculiar garlicky 
smell: sp. gr. 1.8. It is insoluble in water, and dissolves 
sparingly even in the oils, ether, and alcohol, but is readily 
soluble in chloroform. It emits, when exposed to the air, white 
fumes, which are luminous in the dark. In medicinal doses, 
phosphorus is a valuable stimulant to the nutrition of the 
tissues, and has been employed with advantage in cases of 
nervous exhaustion and degeneration of nerve-tissue, and 
especially in neuralgia. In overdoses, however, it is a most 
violent poison, being probably absorbed unchanged into the 
blood, and not converted into phosphoric acid, as was at one 
time supposed ; it acts as a blood-poison, and among its effects 
is the production of acute fatty degeneration of the tissues. In 
cases of poisoning from phosphorus, after the administration 
of an emetic, magnesia should be given, suspended in large 
quantities of mucilaginous drinks. The oil of turpentine is 
also recommended as an antidote ; it should be old, as the real 
antidote is oxygen presented in the state of ozone in oxygenated 
oil of turpentine ; oxygenated water has been also used ; oils and 
fats are to be avoided. Therapeutically, the dose is y 1 ^ of a 
grain.* 

The Phosphide of Zinc has been lately employed in cases 
where the administration of phosphorus is indicated. It is pre- 
pared by passing the vapour of phosphorus over zinc heated to 
ebullition, in a current of dry hydrogen, and occurs as a gray, 
crystallized body, unaltered by moist air, and easily decom- 

* The best solvent for the administration of phosphorus is pure ex- 
pressed oil of almond, previously heated to about 450° F., and partially 
cooled and then filtered, to which 1 per cent, of phosphorus is to be added, 
and the solution agitated at 212°. 



AROMATICS. 199 

posed in the stomach, with the evolution of phosphuretted 
hydrogen. It has been found efficacious in eczema, psoriasis, 
and other cutaneous affections. Dose, about gr. J. 

Acidum Phosphoeicum Dilutum [Diluted Phosphoric 
Acid) is the only form in which phosphoric acid is employed 
medicinally. It is prepared by boiling phosphorus with nitric 
acid and distilled water until it is dissolved, evaporating to 
remove nitrous compounds, and rediluting so as to contain 
nearly 14 (13.8) per cent, of acid (H 3 POJ ; or, it may be made 
by dissolving a troy ounce of glacial phosphoric acid in three 
fluidounces of distilled water, adding to the solution 40 grains 
of nitric acid, boiling to a syrupy consistence, and then adding 
sufficient distilled water to make the diluted acid measure 12J 
fluidounces. It is a colourless, odourless, sour liquid, of sp. 
gr. 1.056. It is used chiefly as a tonic and refrigerant, to 
fulfil indications analogous to those of sulphuric acid, than 
which it is less apt to disturb the stomach and bowels. Dose, 
20 drops to f5i, largely diluted with water. 



AROMATICS. 

Aromatics owe their virtues to the presence of oils obtained 
from them by distillation, and termed volatile oils {olea vola- 
tilia), sometimes also distilled and essential oils. These oils 
possess, in a high degree, the odour and taste of the plants 
from which they are procured. Locally, they are powerful 
irritants, and, taken into the stomach in overdoses, act as acrid 
poisons. They pass partially into vapour at ordinary tempera- 
tures, and are completely volatilized by heat ; hence, decoctions 
and extracts are improper preparations of the aromatics. The 
distilled oils are inflammable, very slightly soluble in water, 
but soluble in alcohol and ether. Their ultimate constituents 
are, usually, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ; and, on exposure 
to the air, they gradually absorb oxygen, become thicker, less 
odorous, and of a deeper colour, and are finally converted into 
resins. 



200 MATERIA MEDICA. 



CAPSICUM. 



Capsicum or Cayenne pepper is the fruit of Capsicum an- 
nuum, C. fastigiatum, and other species of Capsicum {Nat. Ord. 
Solanacere), American tropical plants, naturalized in most warm 
climates, and cultivated in oar gardens. C. annuum is an 
annual, about two feet high, with an herbaceous, crooked, 
branching stem ; ovate, pointed leaves ; greenish-white flowers ; 
and pendulous, pod-like berries, of a crimson or yellow colour, 
two or three inches long. These pods, when dried and ground, 
form Capsicum, the best of which is the African. Powdered 
Capsicum has a bright-red colour, which fades upon exposure 
to light ; an aromatic, peculiar smell, and a bitterish, acrid, 
burning taste. An alkaloid principle termed eapsicia, slightly 
soluble in water, but very much so in alcohol, ether, and oil 
of turpentine, exists in capsicum, associated with resin and 
volatile oil. 

Effects and Uses. — Capsicum is principally employed as a 
condiment and stomachic, and is very useful in torpid conditions 
of the digestive organs, or as an adjunct to other remedies, to 
rouse the susceptibility of the stomach. Its constitutional 
effect is not in proportion to its local effect, and it is therefore 
of no great efficiency as a diffusible stimulant. It has, how- 
ever, been recommended in cynanche maligna and scarlatina 
anginosa. It is a good stomachic in the dyspepsia of drunk- 
ards. As a gargle, it is much employed in the sore throat of 
scarlatina, and also as a cataplasm to cause counter-irritation. 
Dose of the 'powder, gr. v to gr. x, in pill ; of the tincture (a 
troyounce to diluted alcohol Oij), f5j or f5ij ; of the infusion, 
which is used also for a gargle (half a troyounce to boiling 
water Oj) foss. The Oleoresin is a powerful rubefacient, and 
may be given internally in the dose of a drop. 

PIPER — BLACK PEPPER. 

Black pepper is the unripe berries of Piper Nigrum (Nat. 
Ord. Piperacese), a vine of the East Indies. The berries are 



CINNAMON. 201 

gathered before they are quite ripe, and dried in the sun. 
They are wrinkled and black, in consequence of the drying 
of the pulp over the grayish- white seed, and in this state are 
known as black pepper. If permitted to ripen, and soaked in 
water till the outer coat is removed, they constitute white 
pepper. Pepper has an aromatic, peculiar odour, and a hot, 
spicy, pungent taste. Its properties are taken up by alcohol 
and ether, and partially by water. It contains a volatile oil, 
an acrid resin, and a peculiar alkaloid crystalline principle, 
called piperin or piperia (C 17 H 19 N0 3 ), which has been used as 
an anti-intermittent remedy. 

Effects and Uses. — Pepper is a warm carminative stimulant, 
chiefly employed as a condiment ; but it is also a useful sto- 
machic, and a good adjunct to bark in the treatment of inter- 
mittent fevers. Dose, gr. v to gr. xx. Of the oleoresin the 
dose is 1-3 drops. 

CINNAMOMUM — CINNAMON. 

There are two varieties of cinnamon : Ceylon cinnamon, 
which is the prepared bark of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Nat. 
Ord. Lauraceae), a tree of Ceylon and Java; and China Cinna- 
mon, or Cassia, the prepared bark of Cinnamomum aromaticum 
(Nat. Ord. Lauracese), a tree of China. The most esteemed is 
the Ceylon cinnamon. To obtain this, the bark is peeled from 
branches which are three years old ; the epidermis is afterwards 
scraped off; the smaller quills are introduced into the larger 
ones, and they are then dried in the sun and made into bundles. 
It is found in the shops in long, cylindrical pieces, which are 
very thin and smooth, and of a yellow-brown colour and a 
splintery fracture. It has a fragrant odour, and a warm, 
sweetish, aromatic, slightly astringent taste. Its constituents 
are volatile oil, a little tannic acid, mucilage, an acid, lignin, 
&c. The greater part, however, of the cinnamon brought to 
this country is the cassia cinnamon. It has the general 
appearance, smell, and taste of true cinnamon. But its sub- 
stance is thicker, its texture coarser, its fracture shorter, its 



202 MATERIA MEDICA. 

colour darker, browner, and duller, and its flavour less sweet, 
and more pungent and astringent. Its properties are identical 
with those of the Ceylon variety. 

Effects and Uses. — Cinnamon is an aromatic stimulant, with 
a slight astringency. It is used chiefly as a carminative, and 
as an addition to other medicines. Dose, gr. x to 5ss ; of the 
tincture (three troy ounces to two measures of alcohol with one 
measure of water Oij), the dose is f5j to f5iij- Oleum cinna- 
momi (oil of cinnamon), is of a light-yellow colour, which deepens 
by exposure to the air, with the development of an acid, termed 
cinnamic ; dose, one or two drops. Aqua cinnamomi (cinna- 
mon water), is prepared by rubbing up the oil with carbonate 
of magnesium, adding distilled water, and filtering.* It is used 
as a vehicle for other medicines. Spiritus cinnamomi (spirit of 
cinnamon), contains one part of the oil dissolved in fifteen parts 
of stronger alcohol ; dose, ten to twenty drops. Cinnamon 
enters into a large number of preparations. 



MYRISTICA — NUTMEG. 
MACIS — MACE. 

These products are portions of the fruit of Myristica fra- 
grans (Nat. Ord. Myristicacese), a tree of the Moluccas, culti- 
vated also in Java and Sumatra, and other parts of the East 
Indies, and introduced into the isles of France and Bourbon, 
and several of the West India islands. It bears a pyriform 
fruit, about the size of a small peach, which has a fleshy peri- 
carp, opened by two longitudinal valves. Within this is the 
arillus, a scarlet reticulated membrane, which, when dry, 
becomes yellow-brown and brittle, and is termed mace. The 
kernels of the fruit are the nutmegs. 

They are oval, of the size of an olive, of a grayish-brown 
colour, marked with furrows ; and to preserve them from the 

* The waters of the aromatic oils are all made by rubbing up half a flui- 
drachm of the oil with 60 grains of carbonate of magnesium, then with two 
pints of distilled water, and afterwards filtering. 



CLOVES. 203 

attacks of an insect, they are steeped in a mixture of lime and 
water. Mace has a pleasant, aromatic smell, and a warm, bit- 
terish, pungent taste. Nutmegs have a delightfully fragrant 
odour, and a warm, aromatic, grateful taste. 

Nutmeg contains a volatile oil, and by expression yields a 
fatty substance, known as "butter of nutmegs." From mace, 
also, a volatile oil is obtained by distillation. 

Effects and Uses. — Nutmeg is one of the most agreeable of 
the aromatic stimulants, and is much employed for its carmina- 
tive virtues, also as a flavouring ingredient, and to obviate the 
griping effects of cathartics. It is said to have narcotic pro- 
perties, and hence may be useful in bowel complaints. Mace 
is chiefly employed as a condiment. Dose of either, 3j to 5ss. 
Oleum myristicoe {oil of nutmeg), is of a pale straw-colour ; 
dose, 2 or 3 drops. Spiritus myristicce is made by dissolving 
a fluidounce of the oil in three pints of stronger alcohol; dose, 
f5j or f5ij. 

CARYOPHYLLU S — C LOVES. 

Cloves are the unexpanded flowees of Caryophyllus aro- 
maticus (Nat. Ord. Myrtacese), an evergreen tree of the Mo- 
luccas. They are from five to ten lines long, and from one 
line to one line and a half thick, the corolla forming a ball or 
sphere at the top, and the calyx a tapering, somewhat quadran- 
gular base, resembling a nail, whence the common name, from 
the French clou. When good, they are of a dark-brown colour, 
with a yellowish-red tint ; they have a strong, fragrant odour, 
a hot, acrid taste, and, when pressed with the nail, should give 
out oil. They contain a highly pungent volatile oil, tannic 
acid, resin, &c, and two crystalline principles, termed caryo- 
pliillin and eugenin ; the oil consists of two oils, a heavy oil 
and a light oil, the heavy oil being termed caryophyllic acid. 

Effects and Uses. — Cloves are among the most stimulating 
of the aromatics, but are chiefly used as a flavouring ingredient 
and as a condiment. Dose gr. v to gr. x. The infusion (5ij, 
to boiling water Oj) is a warm, grateful stomachic, and will 



-04 MATERIA MEDICA. 

often relieve nausea. The oil, oleum caryophylli, is pale or 
yellowish, becoming darker by age ; dose, 2 to 6 drops. 



P I M E N T A — P IMENTO. 

Pimento, called also Allspice, is the unripe berries of 
Eugenia Pimenta {Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae), a handsome evergreen 
tree of the West Indies and South America. It comes exclu- 
sively from Jamaica, and consists of round, brown, roughish 
berries, rather larger than black peppercorns, with an external 
hard, brittle shell, inclosing two dark -brown seeds. They have 
an aromatic, agreeable smell, and a strong, clove-like taste. 
They are principally used as a condiment. The oil, oleum 
pimentw, has a brownish-red colour, and consists of a light and 
heavy oil, the latter identical with caryophillic acid ; dose, 3 
to 6 drops. 

Oleum Cajuputi (Oil of Cajeput). The volatile oil of the 
leaves of Melaleuca Cajuputi {Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae), a tree of 
the Moluccas, is a powerful diffusible aromatic stimulant, much 
employed in Eastern countries, and of late coming into use in 
the United States. It is a transparent oil, of a fine green 
colour, a lively penetrating odour, analogous to that of camphor 
and cardamom, and a warm, pungent taste. It is an admirable 
stomachic, for the relief of nausea, and is used also as an anti- 
spasmodic stimulant in low fevers, spasmodic cholera, &c. ; 
dose, 1 to 5 drops. 

OLEUM TEREBINTHIN^ — OIL OF TURPENTINE. 

Oil of turpentine, commonly called spirit of turpentine, is 
obtained by distillation from the turpentine of Pinus palustris 
and other species of Pinus (Nat. Ord. Pinaceae). When pure, 
it is a limpid, colourless, volatile, and inflammable liquid, of a 
strong, penetrating, peculiar odour, and a hot, pungent, bit. 
terish taste. It is lighter than water, very slightly soluble in 
it, less soluble in alcohol than most other volatile oils, and 
readily soluble in ether. 



GINGER. 205 

Effects and Uses. — Oil of turpentine is stimulant, diuretic, 
blennorrhetic, and anthelmintic, and externally, rubefacient. 
As a stimulant, it is a very valuable remedy in typhoid fever, 
particularly where the abdomen is tympanitic, the tongue dry, 
and the bowels are ulcerated. It is employed also with advan- 
tage in morbid discharges from mucous membranes, hemor- 
rhages, rheumatism, nervous disorders, atonic dropsy, gleet, 
nephritic and calculous affections, and as an anthelmintic in 
taenia. Enemata of the oil of turpentine are particularly ser- 
viceable for the relief of tympanites. Externally, it is used for 
purposes of counter-irritation. 

Dose, as a stimulant or diuretic, five to thirty drops, re- 
peated; as an anthelmintic or as an enema, f§ss to fSij. 

ZINGIBER — GINGER. 

Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale (Nat. Ord. Zingi- 
beraceae), a perennial, herbaceous plant, growing to the height 
of two or three feet, with long, lanceolate leaves, and yellow 
flowers. Its native country is unknown ; but it has been culti- 
vated in Asia from time immemorial, and was early introduced 
into the tropical regions of America. Ginger-root occurs 
in flattish, jointed, branched or lobed, palmate pieces, which 
rarely exceed four inches in length. In the young state, the 
roots are preserved in sugar, and form a very pleasant sweet- 
meat. When old, they are taken up, scalded in hot water, and 
dried, when they are known as black ginger. Sometimes they 
are scraped previously to being dried, and are then called 
white or Jamaica ginger. The former comes from the East 
Indies ; the latter from the West Indies. The powder of black 
ginger is yellowish-brown ; that of white ginger, yellowish- 
white. Both varieties have a powerful, peculiar odour, and a 
warm, pungent, aromatic taste. They impart their virtues to 
water and alcohol, and contain a pale yellow volatile oil, resin, 
starch, &c. 

Effects and Uses. — Ginger is a pungent, aromatic stimulant, 
much employed as a stomachic in flatulency, and spasm of the 



206 MATERIA MEDICA. 

stomach and bowels. It is also used as a condiment, and to 
correct the unpleasant taste and nauseating qualities of other 
medicines. A paste made of the powder and warm water is 
used as a counter-irritant. Dose, gr. x to gr. xx, in pill. The 
officinal preparations are: infusion (half a tro jounce to boiling 
water Oj), dose, foij ; tincture (eight troyounces to alcohol Oij), 
dose, Tt[x— xx ; fluid extract — dose 20 to 30 drops ; syrup 
(made by rubbing up a fluidounce of the fluid extract with 160 
grains of carbonate of magnesium, 2 troyounces of sugar, and 
42 fluidounces of water, and filtering, and then dissolving in 
the liquid 70 ounces of sugar at a gentle heat) ; oleoresin — dose, 
1 to 2 drops; and troches (made by mixing the tincture (fgj) 
with tragacanth (5\j), sugar (ten troyounces), and a little syrup 
of ginger, and dividing into 240 troches). 

CARDAMOMU M — C AEDAMOM. 

Cardamom is the fruit of Elettaria Cardamomum (Nat. 
Ord. Zingiberacese), a perennial plant, from six to nine feet 
high, found in the mountainous parts of Malabar. Three 
varieties of Malabar cardamoms are known in commerce : 
shorts, short-longs, and long-longs, all furnished by the same 
plant. They are ovate-oblong, from three to ten lines long, 
coriaceous, ribbed, and of a grayish or brownish-yellow colour, 
and contain a number of blackish or reddish-brown seeds, which 
have a pleasant, aromatic odour, and a warm, aromatic, agreeable 
taste. They yield a colourless volatile oil, a fixed oil, starch, &c. 

Effects and Uses. — Cardamom is a very agreeable aromatic, 
devoid of acridity, and is much employed as a stomachic and 
carminative, and as an adjuvant and corrective of other medi- 
cines ; dose, gr. v-x. The tincture (four troyounces to diluted 
alcohol Oij) is the preparation chiefly used; dose, f5j or foij. 
The compound tincture contains cardamom (360 grains), and 
also caraway (120 grains), cinnamon (300 grains), cochineal 
(60 grains), percolated with diluted alcohol till two pints and 
six fluidounces of tincture are obtained, which is afterwards 
mixed with two troyounces of clarified honey. 



SWEET FLAG. 



207 



Pulvis Aromaticus (Aromatic Powder), consists of cinna- 
mon and ginger, each two parts, cardamom and nutmeg, each 
one part. Dose, gr. x to xxx. Oonfectio aromatiea {aromatic 
confection), consists of aromatic powder rubbed up with an 
equal part of clarified honey ; it is a pleasant vehicle for other 
medicines. 



CALAMUS — SWEET FLAG. 

Fig. 20. 




The rhizome of Acorus Calamus (Nat. Ord. Orontiacese), an 
indigenous marshy plant, with long, sword-shaped, radical 



208 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



leaves, is a valuable aromatic stimulant, with some tonic pro- 
perties. It is found in the shops in somewhat flattened pieces, 
deprived of their epidermis, wrinkled, and of a yellowish colour, 
and has a strong, fragrant odour, and a warm, bitterish, aro- 
matic taste. It contains volatile oil, resin, extractive, &c. 
Dose, 3j to 5j\ or it may be given in infusion (a troyounce to 
boiling water Oj) — not officinal. 

GATJLTHERIA. 



Gaultheria procumbens, Partridge-berry, Deer-berry, or Tea- 
berry (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae), is a small indigenous evergreen 
plant, with one, and sometimes two reddish stems, a few inches 
in height, bright-green, obovate, coriaceous, serrulated leaves, 

Fig. 21. 




and white, ovate, five-toothed flowers, followed by scarlet ber- 
ries. The leaves are the officinal portion, and contain a very 
stimulant volatile oil (oleum gaultherioe), which, when first 
distilled, is colourless, but gradually becomes reddish, and is 
distinguished as being the heaviest of the volatile oils ; and, 






PEPPERMINT. 209 



also, the glucoside, arbutin. An infusion of the leaves, and 
an essence or alcoholic solution of the oil, are in very general 
popular use as carminatives and stomachics. 

AURANTII AMARI CORTEX — BITTER ORANGE PEEL. 
AURANTII DULCIS CORTEX — SWEET ORANGE PEEL. 

The rind of the fruit of Citrus vulgaris, or Bitter Orange, 
and Citrus aurantium, or Sweet Orange [Nat. Ord. Aurantiacese), 
is much employed as a flavouring addition to other medicines. 
The flowers (aurantii flores) yield the delightful volatile oil 
termed oil of neroli, and are used in the form of orange flower 
ivater (aqua aurantii florum), as an agreeable vehicle, possessing 
slight antispasmodic virtues ; syrup of orange flowers is made 
by dissolving 36 troyounces of sugar in 20 fluidounces of orange 
flower water ; confection of orange peel (made by beating 12 
troyounces of the grated sweet orange peel with 36 troyounces 
of sugar), and syrup of orange peel, are used as excipients and 
vehicles for medicines of unpleasant flavour; tincture of (bitter) 
orange peel contains 4 troyounces in 2 pints of diluted alcohol — 
dose, f5i-ij. 

The following aromatics, of the natural order Lamiace^e, are 
pleasant carminatives and stomachics : 

Lavandula (Lavender). The flowers of Lavandula vera, 
a small European shrub, cultivated in our gardens, about two 
feet high, with linear or lanceolate leaves, and purplish-gray 
flowers, which are gathered in June, and dried in the shade. 
They have an agreeable, fragrant odour, and a pungent bitter 
taste. The oil, which is of a pale-yellow colour, may be used 
in the dose of from one to five drops. But the preferred pre- 
parations are the Spirit (Spiritus Lavandula?), made by dis- 
solving a fluidounce of the oil in 3 pints of stronger alcohol, 
and the Compound Spirit (Spiritus Lavandulae Compositus), 
which contains also oil of rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, 
and red saunders ; dose, f 5j. 

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint), and Mentha Viridis 

14 



210 MATERIA MEDICA. 

(Spearmint), are European plants, naturalized in the United 
States. The leaves and tops are employed ; they have an 
aromatic odour, and a pungent, somewhat bitter taste, followed 
by a sensation of coolness. They contain volatile oils, with 
some bitter extractive, &c. One to five drops of the oils may 
be given ; but they are usually administered in the form of 
spirit (made by dissolving a fluidounce of the oil in 15 fluid- 
ounces of stronger alcohol, and afterwards macerating 120 
grains of the mints in the solution), in the dose of ten to twenty 
or forty drops. A water is made by rubbing up either of the 
oils with carbonate of magnesium and water : the oil of pepper- 
mint is the stronger of the two. Troches of Peppermint are 
made by rubbing up a fluidrachm of oil of peppermint with 12 
troyounces of sugar, and with mucilage of tragacanth, forming 
a mass to be divided into 480 troches. 

Rosmarinus [Rosemary). Rosmarinus officinalis, or Rose- 
mary, a European evergreen shrub, cultivated in our gardens, 
contains a very stimulant volatile oil, which is chiefly used as 
an ingredient of rubefacient liniments. The leaves are used. 

Hedeoma (Pennyroyal). Hedeoma pulegioides, or Penny- 
royal, is an indigenous annual plant, about a foot high, with 
oblong-lanceolate, serrated leaves, and small, pale-blue flowers, 
arranged in axillary whorls. The leaves and tops are used, 
which contain a light-yellow essential oil, similar in properties 
to the mint oils, but somewhat more powerful. 

Monarda (Horsemint). The leaves and tops of Monarda 
punctata, or horsemint, an indigenous plant. The essential oil 
is used chiefly as a rubefacient. 

Origanum. The herb of Origanum vulgare, or common 
Marjoram. The essential oil is an ingredient in stimulating 
liniments. 

Marrubium (Horehound). Marrubium vulgare possesses 
combined stimulant, tonic, and expectorant properties, and, in 
large doses, proves laxative. It is chiefly used in cough syrups 
and candies. The leaves and tops are employed. 

Salvia (Sage). The leaves of Salvia officinalis, a European 
plant, cultivated in our gardens, are used as a condiment, and, 



VANILLA. 211 

in infusion (half a troyounce to a pint of boiling water), as a 
gargle in sore throat and relaxed uvula; they are slightly tonic 
and astringent, as well as aromatic. 

Thymus (Thyme). The herb of Thymus vulgaris yields 
an essential oil, oleum thymi, which is often substituted for oil 
of origanum, and is used as an external application. From the 
oil of thyme has been obtained thymol, (C 10 H 10 O), occurring in 
highly aromatic, white crystals, soluble in 1000 parts of hot 
water, which has been found a valuable antiseptic and antifer- 
mentative agent. 

The following aromatic seeds are derived from plants of the 
natural order Apiace^e : 

Fceniculum (Fennel). The fruit of Foeniculum dulce, a 
European plant, cultivated in our gardens. It may be used in 
infusion : the dose of the oil is 5 to 15 drops. Fennel ivater is 
officinal. 

Carum (Caraway). The fruit of Carum Carui, a European 
plant cultivated in this country. Dose of the oil, 1 to 10 
drops. 

Anisum (Anise). The fruit of Pimpinella Anisum, origi- 
nally a native of Egypt, but now cultivated throughout the 
south of Europe. Dose of the oil, 5 to 15 drops. Anise water 
(aqua anisi) is officinal. Spirit of Anise contains the oil, foi, 
in stronger alcohol, f§xv. The oil of the fruit of Illicium 
anisatum, or Star Anise, an evergreen tree of Japan and 
China, possesses analogous properties to those of the oil of 
anise, and is much used as a substitute for it. 

Coriandrum (Coriander), the fruit of Coriandrum sativum, 
an annual plant of the south of Europe. 

VANILLA. 

This is the prepared, unripe fruit of Vanilla aromatica, or, 
more probably, Y. planifolia (Nat. Ord. Orchidacese), climbing 
plants of Cuba and Mexico, cultivated also in various parts of 
tropical America, in the Mauritius, Reunion, and Java. The 
pods, when gathered, are yellow, but, by exposure to the sun, 



-12 MATERIA MEDICA. 

they assume a dark copper colour. They are cylindrical, 
somewhat flattened, wrinkled, six or eight inches long, three 
or four lines thick, and contain a soft, black pulp, in w T hich 
numerous small black seeds are embedded. Vanilla has a 
strong, characteristic, highly pleasant odour, and a warm, aro- 
matic, sweetish taste ; the interior pulpy portion is most aro- 
matic. The composition of vanilla is not determined, but its 
aroma is probably due to a volatile oil, developed in the curing 
of the pod, which is found only in the interior and not in the 
exterior fleshy portion. 

It is a mild diffusible stimulant, chiefly used, however, as a 
perfume and flavouring ingredient. 



ORDER VII. — SEDATIVES. 

Sedatives are medicines which diminish the frequency of the 
action of the circulation. Their therapeutic influence is, 
probably, of a stimulant character ; while abating irritability 
and relieving irregularity of the action of the heart, their pri- 
mary effect is to restore its force and tone, when morbidly 
depressed. They are employed therapeutically to reduce ex- 
citement of the vascular system. 

With sedatives may be included also the medicinal agents 
termed refrigerants, comprising nearly all the neutral alkaline 
salts, as well as those in which the acid predominates, and the 
vegetable acids. These substances have little power of dimin- 
ishing the ordinary or healthy temperature ; but they lower 
febrile heat, allay thirst, restore the secretions, and in this 
way are very useful adjuvants in the treatment of febrile com- 
plaints. 

DIGITALIS. 

Digitalis purpurea, or Purple Foxglove (Nat. Ord. Scrophu- 
lariacese), is a biennial European plant, cultivated in our gar- 
dens, with an erect stem three or four feet high, large ovate- 
lanceolate, crenate, downy, and veiny leaves, of a dull-green 



DIGITALIS. 213 

colour, and handsome bell-shaped crimson or purple flowers, 
arranged in a long terminal spike. The seeds and leaves are 
both active, but the latter only are employed, from plants of 
the second years growth; and those from the European wild 
plants are preferred, as the cultivated variety is thought to be 
inferior in virtue. The petioles are removed, and the leaves are 
then dried in baskets, in a dark place, in a drying-stove. When 
dried, they have a dull-green colour, with a faint odour, and a 
bitter, nauseous taste, and afford a fine deep-green powder. 
Both leaves and powder should be preserved in well-stoppered 
bottles, covered externally with dark-coloured paper, and kept 
in a dark cupboard. And, as their medicinal activity is im- 
paired by keeping, they should be renewed annually. They 
contain a neutral principle termed digitalin, which possesses 
similar properties to those of the leaves. 

Digitalin (Digitalinum) is officinal, and is obtained by first 
preparing a strong alcoholic solution, adding acetic acid and a 
little animal charcoal, and filtering ; to the liquor, filtered and 
partially neutralized by ammonia, a strong watery solution of 
tannic acid is added, so long as a precipitate is produced ; the 
washed filter (which is tannate of digitalin), is mixed with 
oxide of lead and dried ; it is then treated again with animal 
charcoal, and digested at a gentle heat with stronger alcohol ; 
the alcoholic solution is evaporated to dryness, powdered, and 
washed with ether, which removes impurities and leaves the 
digitalin. It is a white, or yellowish-white powder, odourless, 
but of a very bitter taste ; readily soluble in alcohol, chloro- 
form, and acids, but nearly insoluble in water and ether ; dose 
from ^o to g 1 ^ of a grain. Commercial digitalin, however, 
usually contains other principles mixed with pure digitalin, and 
it is best to prescribe digitalis. 

Physiological Effects. — The ordinary results of the adminis- 
tration of digitalis, in small and repeated doses, are an increase 
in the secretion of urine and a reduction of the frequency of the 
pulse, sometimes accompanied by nausea ; but these effects are 
not constant. The influence of digitalis over the pulse is more 
marked in weak and debilitated persons than in those who are 



-14 MATERIA MEDICA. 

robust and plethoric. Its effects, too, in this particular, are 
more easily obtained in the recumbent than in the erect pos- 
ture, owing to the less force required in the former position, to 
carry on the circulation. In the repeated use of small doses 
of this medicine, a cumulative effect is sometimes observed : its 
powers are not manifested for a certain time, and effects are 
suddenly produced, which are attributable to the whole amount 
administered, giving rise to dangerous and even fatal syncope. 
In morbid conditions of the circulation, where it is irritable, 
abnormally quick, or irregular, digitalis is considered to exer- 
cise a primary medicinal effect, in steadying the pulse and re- 
storing its force and regularity, while it diminishes morbid fre- 
quency. Where the temperature of the body is abnormally 
increased, digitalis will diminish it. As regards its diuretic 
action, it is probably rather indirect than direct, and is most 
conspicuous where dropsical effusions are removed under its 
influence. It increases the amount of solids eliminated in the 
urine, except that of urea and uric acid, which are diminished 
under its use ; hence it is a good remedy in gout. When too 
long continued, or taken in excessive doses, digitalis acts as an 
acro-narcotic poison, producing effects similar to those of to- 
bacco, lobelia, &c, as, vomiting, purging, severe abdominal 
pains, vertigo, disordered vision, dilated pupils, syncope, and 
finally delirium and stupor, death being usually preceded by 
convulsions. In such cases, after evacuating the stomach, the 
diffusible stimuli, as brandy and carbonate of ammonium, 
should be administered. The quantity of digitalis, however, 
that may be given, especially in disease, without destroying 
life, is considerable. Chemical analysis affords no certain tests 
of the presence of digitalis or its active principle, and, in cases 
of suspected poisoning, the physiological test is to be resorted 
to ; in the celebrated Pommerais case, the criminal was con- 
demned from the evidence derived from the administration of 
an extract, obtained from the stomach and bowels of the de- 
ceased party, to small animals, in whom were produced vomit- 
ing and marked diminution of the number of heart-beats, with 
intermittent and irregular action. 



AMERICAN HELLEBORE. 215 

Medicinal Uses. — From its action on the circulation, digita- 
lis has been used in fevers, inflammations, and hemorrhages, 
where bloodletting is inadmissible, as in hectic fever, tubercular 
hemoptysis, &c. In fevers accompanied by a high temperature, 
as scarlatina and typhoid fever, it is specially useful. In the 
treatment of diseases of the heart and great vessels, it is a 
remedy of the greatest value, but is to be prescribed with dis- 
crimination. In dilatation of the heart, in fatty degeneration, 
and in failure or irritability of heart-action generally, digitalis, 
by increasing the force of the cardiac contractions and by 
abating irregular movement, is always useful ; in uncomplicated 
hypertrophy, it is objectionable. In valvular, especially mitral 
disease, as well as aortic constriction, if the heart's action be 
feeble, it is indicated. It is greatly esteemed in the treatment 
of dropsy ; and in the varieties of this disorder resulting from 
heart-disease, it is more employed than any other remedy, 
from its combined cardiac and diuretic influence. In delirium 
tremens, digitalis has lately been given in large doses, with ex- 
cellent effect. It is thought that a physiological antagonism 
exists between digitalin and the alkaloids aconitia and del- 
phinia. 

Administration. — Digitalis is best given in powder, of which 
the dose is gr. j, two or three times a day, to be gradually in- 
creased. An infusion is officinal (5j to boiling water Oss, with 
tincture of cinnamon (f §j), dose, f5ij-iv ; but water is a bad 
solvent. The tincture (four troyounces to diluted alcohol Oij) 
is a better preparation — dose 10 to 50 drops, two or three times 
a day, to be gradually increased ; of the extract (alcoholic), the 
dose is one fourth of a grain, to begin with ; of the fluid extract, 
the dose is TT|j. If digitalis produces wakefulness, a little 
opium should be combined with it. 

VERATRUM VIRIDE — AMERICAN HELLEBORE. 

Veratrum viride, known as American Hellebore, Swamp 
Hellebore, Poke-root, Indian Poke, &c. (Nat. Ord. Melantha- 
cese), is a swampy plant, indigenous to the eastern portion of 



216 



MATERIA MEDICA. 
Fig. 22. 




the United States, growing to the height of from three to six 
feet. It has a perennial, thick, fleshy root, the upper portion 



AMERICAN HELLEBORE. 217 

of which is tunicated, the lower solid, and beset with numerous 
rootlets; the stem is annual, furnished with bright-green 
leaves, and terminates in a panicle of greenish-yellow flowers ; 
the leaves gradually decrease in size as they ascend, the lower 
being from six inches to a foot long, oval, acuminate, plaited, 
nerved, and embracing the stem at their base, the upper leaves 
oblong-lanceolate. The rhizome is the officinal portion ; it is 
an inch or two in length, thick and fleshy, with numerous 
yellow rootlets, and is usually found in the shops in slices or 
fragments, externally of a blackish colour, and internally of a 
dingy white colour. It has a slight, peculiar odour, much 
more noticeable when moistened, and a bitter acrid taste, which 
leaves a permanent impression in the mouth and fauces. For 
use, attached portions of the dried stem and the rootlets should 
be rejected, as they are inert. 

The most recent analysis of this rhizome shows it to contain 
two alkaloids, veratroidia and jervia (the latter found also in 
V. album), with resin and oily matter ; veratroidia is a white, 
uncrystallizable powder, of a bitter taste, leaving a tingling 
sensation in the fauces, soluble in alcohol, ether, chloro- 
form, and carbon bisulphide ; jervia is a white, tasteless 
powder, which will crystallize from an alcoholic solution, in- 
soluble in water and ether, and freely soluble in alcohol and 
chloroform. Veratroidia is a local irritant, an emetic, and 
sometimes a cathartic, and a depressant to the circulation ; 
jervia produces general weakness (without, however, vomiting 
or purging), lowering of arterial pressure and slowness of the 
pulse, profuse salivation, and finally convulsions. The alka- 
loids exist, in both V. viride and album, in but small propor- 
tions, and can scarcely be profitably extracted. 

Effects and Uses. — -American hellebore is an active local 
irritant. Taken internally, it somewhat promotes the flow of 
urine, and in doses of about five grains, proves emetic. In con- 
tinued doses it produces a marked sedative action on the circu- 
lation, irrespective of the nausea induced, which indeed may be 
prevented by careful administration. It has not generally 
proved laxative. No fatal effects are recorded from its use ; 



218 MATERIA MEDICA. 

stimulants invariably counteracting any excessive sedation. 
Within a few years past, this medicine has been largely used in 
our Southern States in inflammatory and febrile affections, par- 
ticularly pneumonia and typhoid fever, with a view to its seda- 
tive action. It has been also used in cardiac affections, and in 
gout, rheumatism, and neuralgia. Dose, of the powder, gr. i-ij 
to begin with ; of the tincture (sixteen troyounces to alcohol 
Oij), 8 or 10 drops; of the fluid extract, 4 or 5 drops. 

VE RAT RUM ALBUM — WHITE HELLEBORE. 

The rhizome of Yeratrum Album [Nat. Ord. Melanthaceae), 
a mountainous European plant, is found in the shops in small, 
rough, wrinkled, conical, cylindrical pieces, blackish exter- 
nally, and whitish internally ; it is always found whole, and 
divested of rootlets ; its odour, in the dried state, is feeble ; its 
taste at first sweetish, afterwards bitterish, acrid, and burning. 
The rhizomes of Y. album and viride, as found in the shops, 
are so much alike, that the presence or absence of the roots 
seems the only means of distinguishing them. Recent analysis 
of Y. album shows it to contain jervia, and another alkaloid 
(resembling the veratroidiaof Y. viride), which has received the 
name of veratralbia ; this is white, uncrystallizable, of a bitter, 
acrid, burning taste, soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and 
carbon bisulphide ; it is the most powerful of the alkaloids in 
the veratrum group, acting as a local irritant, an irritant 
emetic and cathartic, a depressant to the circulation, and an 
active nerve and muscle poison, producing death by paralysis 
both of the respiration and heart. 

Medicinal Uses. — White hellebore is an ancient remedy, not 
now much used in this country, owing to the severity of its 
action. Its indications may be considered to be analogous to 
those of American hellebore. It has been used, in Europe, in 
gout and in mania. Dose, gr. ij, to begin with. A wine is 
prescribed, and an ointment, in itch. As an errhine, it is 
sometimes mixed with 5 or 6 parts of powdered liquorice-root, 
or other inert powder. 



YELLOW JASMINE. 219 

Veratria (C 32 H 52 N 2 8 ) is usually obtained from Cevadilla, 
the seed of Veratrum Sabadilla (Nat. Ord. Melanthacese), an 
herbaceous plant of Mexico. It is made by evaporating a 
strong tincture of the seeds to the consistence of an extract, 
from which the alkaloid is dissolved by diluted sulphuric acid, 
and afterwards precipitated by magnesia. For purification, it 
is dissolved in alcohol, from which it is evaporated, again con- 
verted into a sulphate, decolorized by animal charcoal, and 
finally precipitated by ammonia. When pure, it is white, but 
it is usually a grayish or brownish-white powder, without odour, 
but very irritant to the nostrils, and of a bitter, acrid taste, 
producing a sense of tingling or numbness in the tongue ; 
scarcely soluble in cold water, but readily soluble in alcohol. 
It has an alkaline reaction, and strikes an intensely red colour 
with concentrated sulphuric acid. The most delicate test for 
veratria is Trapp's — a permanent lilac-red colour, resembling a 
solution of permanganate of potassium, afforded by boiling it in 
muriatic acid. Its effects are locally those of an irritant, and, 
when rubbed on the skin, it causes a sensation of heat and 
tingling. Taken internally, in small doses, it stimulates the 
secretions and depresses the pulse, and, in excessive doses, it is 
a violent poison, producing tetanic symptoms; it is without 
narcotic action on the brain, causing death from paralysis of 
the spinal cord. Stimulants and ethereal inhalation would be 
the proper treatment in case of poisoning. Veratria has been 
used internally, in nervous disorders, dropsies, gout, rheuma- 
tism, &c, in doses of gr. T \ 2 to ^ repeated ; but it is most used 
externally, in the form of ointment (gr. xx to lard a troyounce), 
or dissolved in alcohol, as an application to rheumatic, paralytic, 
or neuralgic parts. 

GELSEMIUM — YELLOW JASMINE. 

Gelsemium Sempervirens, Yellow or Carolina jasmine (Nat. 
Ord. Scrophulariaceae), is a beautiful climbing plant of our 
Southern States, with a twining, smooth, and shining stem, 
perennial petiolate, ovate-lanceolate, dark-green leaves, and 



220 MATERIA MEDICA. 

beautiful, very fragrant flowers, of a deep-yellow colour. The 
ROOT is used, and occurs in the form of light, cylindrical or 
split pieces, about an inch in length, of a dingy yellowish-white 
colour, with occasionally remains of the darker epidermis, a 
faintly narcotic odour, and a bitterish, not unpleasant taste. 
It has been found to contain, with other principles, a peculiar 
alkaloid, termed gelsemia or getseminia, combined with an acid 
called gelseminic ; the alkaloid is the active principle, and is a 
powerful poison, an amount of gelsemium estimated to contain 
one-sixth of a grain of gelseminia having proved fatal to an 
adult woman. 

Effects and Uses. — Gelsemium has been found to possess 
valuable sedative properties, diminishing the pulse and pres- 
sure, reducing the temperature of the body, lessening respira- 
tion, and dilating the pupils, with little or no nauseating or 
purgative effect. In overdoses, it has rapidly produced death, 
with great muscular relaxation, want of co-ordination in the 
movements, double vision, dilatation of the pupils, failure of 
the pulse and respiration, coldness of the surface, and finally 
unconsciousness preceding death. It has been used in fevers, 
inflammations, essential spasmodic affections, as tetanus, and 
as an hypnotic in delirium tremens and other forms of morbid 
wakefulness, and as an anodyne in odontalgia and facial neu- 
ralgia. The tincture of gelsemium (four troyounces of the root 
to diluted alcohol Oj), is the form which has been heretofore 
employed, in the dose of 20 to 50 drops ; but the fluid extract 
is now officinal, and should be preferred ; dose 5 to 10 drops. 

ANTIMONII PR^PAKATA — PREPARATIONS OF 
ANTIMONY. 

Antimonii Oxidum (Oxide of Antimony), (Sb 2 3 ) is prepared 
from the sulphide by digesting first with muriatic acid, then 
adding a little nitric acid ; next precipitating the terchloride 
formed with a large amount of water ; afterwards decomposing 
the oxychloride thus obtained, by ammonia, by which the ter- 
chloride of the oxychloride is converted into teroxide. This 



PREPARATIONS OF ANTIMONY. 221 

is a heavy, grayish-white, insoluble powder. It has the general 
therapeutic properties of the antimonials, and, though not quite 
certain in its effects, as its solubility depends on the amount 
of hydrochloric acid, which may exist in the stomach, it is 
believed to produce the sedative operation of tartar emetic, 
with less nausea and derangement of the stomach. Dose, 2 or 
3 grains, repeated. 

Antimonii et Potassii Tartras (Tartrate of Antimony 
and Potassium). This valuable salt, familiarly known as tartar 
emetic and tartarized antimony, is prepared by boiling water 
and cream of tartar with oxide of antimony. It occurs in 
colourless, transparent, rhombic, octohedron crystals, which 
become white and opaque from efflorescence on exposure to the 
air. When pure, its powder is perfectly white ; but it is to be 
preferred in the crystalline state, as in this form it is less liable 
to adulteration. When dropped into a solution of sulphuretted 
hydrogen or sulphide of ammonium, the crystals should have 
an orange-coloured deposit formed on them, which is the ter- 
sulphide, and is distinguished from tersulphide of arsenic and 
all other precipitates, by foiming with hot concentrated muri- 
atic acid a solution, from which, when added to water, a white 
curdy precipitate of oxychloride of antimony is thrown down. 
The metal itself should, however, always be reduced, as by 
Marsh's test (see Arsenious Acid) ; antimoniuretted hydrogen 
is obtained, which burns with a bluish flame, and, if a piece of 
cold white porcelain be held low down in the flame, the metal 
is deposited in the form of a dull, black spot (surrounded by a 
grayish ring), soluble in sulphide of ammonium, which does not 
dissolve arsenic, and insoluble in a solution of hypochlorite 
of sodium or calcium, which readily dissolves arsenical spots. 
The powder of tartar emetic is sometimes adulterated with cream 
of tartar, which may be detected by adding a few drops of a 
solution of carbonate of sodium to a boiling solution of the anti- 
monial salt, and if the precipitate formed be not redissolved, no 
bitartrate of potassium is present. 

Tartar emetic (KSbC 4 H 4 7 ,H 2 0) is inodorous ; has a nause- 
ous, metallic taste; is soluble in 15 parts of cold and 3 parts 



'2'22 MATERIA MEDICA. 

of boiling water ; insoluble in pure alcobol ; and is decomposed 
by the pure alkalies, alkaline carbonates, and the vegetable 
astringents. 

Plii/sioJogical Effects. — Tartar emetic is a powerful local 
irritant. Applied to the skin, it occasions an eruption of pus- 
tules, resembling those of variola or ecthyma. When taken 
into the stomach, in full doses, it causes vomiting, purging, 
griping pains, &c. ; and, in excessive quantity, it acts as an 
irritant poison, and has produced death, with great prostration, 
syncope, and even convulsions and delirium : very large doses 
have, however, been given medicinally with entire safety. The 
proper antidote is tannic acid; and opium, stimulants, and 
demulcents should be also administered. The constitutional 
effects of tartar emetic, when taken internally, in small doses, 
are an increase in the secretions and exhalations generally, 
especially from the skin ; in somewhat larger doses, these 
effects are accompanied with nausea and vomiting, relaxation 
of the tissues (particularly the muscular fibres), a feeling of 
great feebleness and exhaustion, and a powerful sedative action 
on the circulation and respiration. 

Medicinal Uses. — Tartar emetic is employed therapeutically 
as an emetic, nauseant, sedative, sudorific, and expectorant, 
and locally as a counter-irritant. As an emetic, it creates 
more nausea and depression than any other substance; and 
hence, while other emetics are to be preferred to it, when our 
object is merely to evacuate the contents of the stomach, with 
as little constitutional disturbance as possible, it is of the 
greatest value, when vomiting is resorted to as a means of 
making an impression on the system, and thereby checking 
the progress of disease. As a nauseant, tartar emetic is em- 
ployed to relax the muscular system, in the reduction of dislo- 
cations, strangulated hernia, rigidity of the cs uteri in labour, 
&c. As a sedative antiphlogistic, in large doses, it is a most 
powerful and valuable remedy in the treatment of acute in- 
flammation, with fever, from its combined action in reducing the 
frequency of the circulation, moderating the heat of the skin, and 
promoting diaphoresis. When given in this way, at intervals, 



PREPARATIONS OF ANTIMONY. 223 

tartar emetic ceases to produce emesis, owing to tolerance of 
the medicine, especially in pneumonia, in which disease it has 
long been extensively resorted to ; in the early stages of acute 
laryngitis and bronchitis, it is a remedy of great value. From 
gr. \ to gr. J may be given every two hours, in gradually in- 
creasing doses, until some amelioration of the symptoms takes 
place, when the doses are to be again decreased. As a diapho- 
retic, it is very useful, in small doses (as from gr. -^q to gr. \, 
repeated), in continued fevers, inflammation from wounds, inju- 
ries, &c. ; and as an expectorant, in the same doses, it is em- 
ployed in various pulmonary affections with advantage. As a 
local irritant, it is applied to the skin in the form of aqueous 
solution, ointment, or plaster, in chronic diseases of the chest, 
affections of joints, &c. 

Administration. — The dose of tartar emetic, as an emetic, is 
gr. j or ij, and it is frequently combined with ipecacuanha. 
As a sedative antiphlogistic, gr. \ or J, to gr. j or ij ; as a 
nauseant, gr. J to J, and as a diaphoretic and expectorant, gr. 
T J 6 to \, may be given in solution, and in each case repeated 
every two or three hours. For external use, the ointment (un- 
guentum antimonii, 1 part to lard 4 parts) may be employed • 
or the plaster, made by mixing one part of tartar emetic with 
four parts of Burgundy pitch. 

Vinum Antimonii (Antimonial Wine), is a solution of tartar 
emetic (gr. xxxij) in boiling distilled water (f5j), and Sherry 
wine (fSxv). It is employed as an expectorant and sudorific, 
in the dose of from 10 to 30 drops, frequently repeated ; and 
as an emetic for children, in the dose of 30 drops to foj> 
repeated every quarter of an hour. 

Antimonium Sulphuratum (Sulphurated Antimony), is 
prepared by boiling the native sulphide of antimony, previously 
purified by fusion, with a solution of potassa, and adding 
diluted sulphuric acid to the strained solution ; the sulphate 
of potassium, which is formed, being afterwards washed away 
with hot water. It is a reddish-brown, odourless, almost 
tasteless, insoluble powder, and is chemically a mixture of 
teroxide (Sb 2 3 ) and tersulphide (Sb 2 S 3 ) of antimony. Its 



--4 MATERIA MEDICA. 

effects are analogous to those of tartar emetic ; but it is chiefly 
employed as an alterative in cutaneous affections, secondary 
syphilis, &c, usually in conjunction with mercurials. Dose, 
as an alterative, gr. j to iij ; as an emetic, gr. v to xx. 

Antimonii Oxysulphuretum (Oxy sulphur et of Antimony, 
or Kermes Mineral), is another mixture of tersulphide and 
teroxide of antimony, prepared by boiling tersulphide with an 
alkaline carbonate or caustic solution. It is an odourless, 
tasteless, purplish-brown, insoluble powder, sometimes employed 
as an antiphlogistic in pneumonia ; but it is uncertain in its 
operation, and probably possesses no advantage over tartar 
emetic. Dose. gr. J to gr. ij, or iij. 

By the addition of an acid to the liquor which remains after 
the precipitation of kermes, an orange-red, odourless, tasteless 
powder, called golden sulphur of antimony, is obtained. It is 
a mixture of tersulphide and teroxide with some free sulphur, 
and acts like kermes, but is weaker. Dose, gr. j to gr. ij or iij. 

Pilulce Antimonii Compositce [Compound Pills of Antimony), 
sometimes called Plummer s pills, contain equal parts of sul- 
phurated antimony and of calomel, mixed with twice the amount 
of guaiac and molasses each. They are used as an alterative 
in syphilitic, rheumatic, and cutaneous affections. Six grains 
of the mass contain a grain of calomel and antimony each. 

Pulvis Antimonialis. — An antimonial powder is prepared in 
imitation of the celebrated James' 's powder, by burning sulphide 
of antimony with hartshorn shavings or bone shavings. It is 
a white, gritty, tasteless, odourless powder, consisting of a 
mixture of antimonious acid and phosphate of calcium, with 
some teroxide of antimony and a little antimoniate of calcium. 
It was formerly much employed in fevers ; but it is unequal in 
its operation, owing its activity to the teroxide of antimony 
present. Hence, it has been dismissed from the U. S. Pharma- 
copoeia. In the British Pharmacopoeia, it is now directed to 
be made by mixing one part of oxide of antimony and two 
parts of precipitated phosphate of calcium. Dose, gr. iij to 
viij. 

Antimoniated Hydrogen is a gaseous substance, which has 



NITRATE OF POTASSIUM. 225 

lately been employed, with much success, by inhalation, in 
acute bronchitis and pneumonia. It is prepared by forming 
an alloy of a drachm of pure antimony and twice the quantity 
of pure zinc, which is to be mixed with a drachm of tartar 
emetic or chloride of antimony, and introduced into a bottle 
with a large tubulure ; and from time to time, as the gas is 
wanted, from half a drachm to a drachm of muriatic acid is 
added. Muriatic acid gas is evolved at the same time, but this 
is prevented from reaching the respiratory orifices, by closing 
them with a sponge wet with an alkaline solution, which per- 
mits the antimoniated hydrogen to pass. The gas may be 
breathed for five minutes every hour. 

POTASSII NITEAS — NITRATE OF POTASSIUM. 

This salt, commonly called nitre and saltpetre (KN0 3 ), 
occurs in both the inorganized and organized kingdoms of 
nature. It is obtained, for medicinal use. principally by the 
purification of the native nitre of India ; and it is found also in 
saltpetre- caves in various parts of the United States, associated 
with nitrate of calcium, from which it is separated by lixivation. 
It is artificially produced in several parts of Europe, in nitre- 
beds or saltpetre-plantations, by bringing together decayed 
organic animal and vegetable matters. And it is manufactured 
sometimes by the double decomposition of nitrate of sodium and 
chloride of potassium. Nitre is refined by re-solution and 
crystallization of the crude nitre. As purified for medicinal 
use, it is found in the shops in large transparent, colourless 
crystals, of the form of six-sided, striated prisms, with dihedral 
summits, which are unalterable in the air. They have no 
odour, a sharp, cooling taste, are wholly soluble in water, and 
insoluble in pure alcohol. They have no water of crystalliza- 
tion, but frequently have a portion of the mother liquid mechani- 
cally lodged in the spaces of the crystals, which may be driven 
off by heat, and the salt fused and cast into moulds, when it is 
termed sal prunelle. 

Physiological Effects. — In excessive doses, nitre may act as 

15 



±26 MATERIA MEDICA. 

a fatal poison, producing irritation of the alimentary canal and 
derangement of the nervous system ; the symptoms are burning 
pain in the throat and stomach, bloody stools, a tendency to 
syncope, collapse and death, sometimes preceded by dilated 
pupils, insensibility, and convulsions. There is no antidote for 
it, and cases of poisoning are to be treated by demulcents, 
opiates, stimulants, &c, after evacuation of the contents of the 
stomach. In moderate doses, it is a refrigerant, sedative, diu- 
retic, and diaphoretic, and, in large or continued doses, laxa- 
tive. Its refrigerant properties are best seen when the body 
is morbidly hot, as in fevers. When mixed with the blood, 
after absorption, it produces several chemical changes, the 
most important of which is an antiplastic effect, by impeding 
coagulation. 

31edicinal Uses. — Nitre is a very valuable refrigerant and 
sedative remedy in fevers, inflammations, hemorrhages, &c. 
In fevers it is often prescribed with calomel and tartar emetic, 
under the name of nitrous powders (nitre gr. x, tartar emetic 
gr. J, calomel gr. \ to J). In large doses, it was given for- 
merly in acute rheumatism, and this practice has been lately 
revived with success, in France. Dose, gr. x to 5ss. From 
5iv to ovj are given in 24 hours, in acute rheumatism, and the 
quantity is increased to 5viij, x, or xij. The fumes of paper, 
impregnated with nitre, are used with advantage in spasmodic 
asthma. 

Sodii Nitras — Nitrate of Sodium. This salt, commonly 
called cubic nitre, is found in large deposits in South America, 
chiefly in Peru, but also in Bolivia. The crude salt occurs in 
rather soft and pliable lumps, of white, yellow, or gray colour ; 
it is often purified in Peru by solution, crystallization, and de- 
siccation, but it is usually refined after importation. It occurs 
in colourless, rhombohedral crystals, slightly deliquescent, and 
wholly soluble in water (NaN0 3 ), without odour, and of a sharp, 
cooling, and bitter taste. 

Effects and Uses. — Sodium nitre has been little used in med- 
icine, its employment having been chiefly limited to dysentery, 
in which it is highly praised by German physicians, in amounts 



CITRATE OF POTASSIUM. 227 

of from half a troyounce to a troyounce, in mucilaginous solu- 
tion, during the day. Its effects are probably analagous to 
those of potassium nitre, though it no doubt requires larger 

doses. 

REFRIGERANTS. 
SODII BORAS — BORATE OF SODIUM. 

Borax occurs as a native product in several localities, the 
most important of which for a long time was Thibet, in Asia ; 
it is also made artificially by the direct combination of native 
boracic acid (obtained from the lagoons of Tuscany) with soda. 
The supply of the United States is now, however, exclusively 
derived from Borax Lake, in California, about one hundred 
miles north of San Francisco. Borax (2NaB0 2 ,2HB0 2 ,9H 2 0), 
occurs in the form of hexahedral prismatic crystals, terminated 
by triangular pyramids, of a sweetish alkaline taste, and an 
alkaline reaction. It is wholly soluble in water, and slowly 
effloresces, and has the property of rendering cream of tartar 
very soluble in water. 

Effects and Uses. — Borax is a mild refrigerant and diuretic, 
and has had emmenagogue virtues attributed to it. Dose, gr. 
xxx. It has been given in infantile diarrhoea as an enema, 
and is used externally in cutaneous affections, especially as a 
detergent in aphthous affections of the mouth in children, 
mixed with equal parts of sugar. Glyeerite of borate of 
sodium (glyceritum sodii boratis), is made by rubbing up two 
troyounces of borate of sodium in half a pint of glycerin; 
honey of borate of sodium (mel sodii boratis), is made by mixing 
sixty grains of borate with a troyounce of clarified honey — 
both these preparations are used chiefly as applications to the. 
mouth and throat. 

POTASSII CITRAS — CITRATE OF POTASSIUM. 

This salt (formerly known as salt of Miverius), is made by 
saturating a solution of citric acid with bicarbonate of po- 



228 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tassium, and evaporating to dryness. It is white, granular, 
inodorous, of a saline, slightly bitterish, but not unpleasant 
taste, deliquescent, and wholly soluble in water, (K 3 C 6 H 5 7 ). 
It is an excellent refrigerant diaphoretic, much employed in 
febrile affections. Dose, gr. xx-xxv ; 5vj are usually dissolved 
in water Oss, and fSss of the solution is administered every 
hour or two. The salts of the alkalies with vegetable acids, as 
citrates, tartrates, and acetates, during their passage through 
the body, are converted into carbonates. 

Liquor Potassii Citratis {Solution of Citrate of Potassium) 
is made by dissolving half a troyounce of citric acid and 330 
grains of bicarbonate of potassium in half a pint of water — 
dose, f5ss. 

Mistura Potassii Citratis {Mixture of Citrate of Potassium, or 
Neutral Mixture), is made by saturating fresh lemon-juice with 
bicarbonate of potassium : or, when the lemon-juice cannot be 
had, a solution of citric acid, flavoured with oil of lemon, may 
be used as a substitute. This preparation contains some free 
carbonic acid, which renders it more grateful to an irritable 
stomach than the ordinary solution of the citrate. Under the 
name of effervescing draught, the citrate of potassium is often 
prepared extemporaneously (half a fluidounce of fresh lemon- 
juice with an equal measure of water, added to a solution of 
120 grains of carbonate of potassium in 4 fluidounces of water), 
and is given in the state of effervescence ; it is an excellent 
remedy for irritable stomach, with fever. 

LIQUOR AMMO Nil ACETATIS — SOLUTION OF ACE- 
TATE OF AMMONIUM. 

This solution, termed also Spi?*itus Mindereri, or Spirit of 
Mindererus, is made by saturating diluted acetic acid with 
carbonate of ammonium, and is a solution of the acetate of 
ammonium (NH 4 C 2 H 3 2 ). When pure, it is a colourless liquid, 
with a saline taste: it should be always freshly made when 
dispensed. In small doses, it is refrigerant ; in larger doses, 
diaphoretic, diuretic, and perhaps resolvent. It is employed 



SPIRIT OF NITROUS ETHER. 229 

in febrile and inflammatory affections, sometimes in conjunction 
with nitre or tartar emetic, sometimes with camphor and opium. 
Dose, f §ss to f5j, every two, three, or four hours, in sweetened 
water. 



SPIRITUS ^THEEIS NITROSI — SPIRIT OF NITROUS 

ETHER. 

This preparation, commonly known as Sweet Spirit of Nitre, 
is a solution of nitrous ether in alcohol. It is now made by 
adding to stronger alcohol about a tenth of its bulk of sul- 
phuric acid, rather more of nitric acid, with some copper-wire 
or turnings, and distilling at 180° F. ; the distillate is mixed 
with alcohol, and the mixture is to be transferred to well- 
stopped bottles, and protected from the light. In this reaction, 
nitric acid is reduced to nitric peroxide by the indirect agency 
of the copper, and the nitrous radical forms with the ethyl of 
the alcohol nitrite of ethyl, or nitrous ether : thus, C 2 H 5 HO-f 
HN0 3 +H 2 S0 4 +Cu=C a H 5 N0 2 (nitrousetlier)+2H 2 + CuS0 4 . 
Spirit of nitrous ether is a volatile, inflammable liquid, of a pale- 
yellow colour, inclining slightly to green, having a fragrant, 
ethereal odour, free from pungency, and a sharp, burning taste. 
It mixes with water and alcohol in all proportions ; sp. gr. 0.837, 
and it contains five per cent, of nitrous ether. It should not 
be long kept, as it becomes strongly acid by age. 

Effects and Uses. — Sweet Spirit of Nitre is antispasmodic, 
refrigerant, diaphoretic, and diuretic. It is much used in 
febrile affections, and, from its diuretic properties, is often 
combined with other diuretics in the treatment of dropsies. 
From its pleasant .taste and smell, it is very acceptable to chil- 
dren. Dose, f5ss to f3j, frequently repeated. The inhalation 
of sweet spirit of nitre has produced dangerous and even fatal 
effects ; pallor of the face, livid discoloration of the lips and 
fingers, weakness of the pulse, muscular prostration, prgecar- 
dial oppression, and headache, are the symptoms described ; a 
case is recorded in which death was attributed to the inhalation 
of the ether from a broken bottle in a sleeping apartment. 



230 MATERIA MEDICA. 



ACID A VEGETABILIA — VEGETABLE ACIDS. 

The vegetable acids are refrigerant, and, when properly 
diluted, form useful drinks in fevers, &c. Those chiefly em- 
ployed are acidum aceticum [acetic acid), acidum citricum 
[citric acid), and acidum tartaricum [tartaric acid). Acetic 
Acid (HC 2 H 3 2 ) is employed internally only in the form of di- 
luted acetic acid (one part of strong acid to seven parts of dis- 
tilled water), or vinegar [acetunn). Acetum destillatum [distilled 
vinegar) may be substituted for diluted acetic acid. Externally, 
strong acetic acid (sp. gr. 1.047, and containing 36 per cent, 
of monohydrated acid), is employed as an escharotic to remove 
warts, in the cure of lupus, &c. Acetic acid is less used inter- 
nally as a refrigerant than citric acid, from its liability to 
produce colic and diarrhoea, except in typhus, scarlet, and other 
malignant fevers, owing to its supposed possession of antiseptic 
virtues. Spongings with vinegar and water are useful to 
relieve the heat of the skin in fevers, and the vapour is grateful 
to the sick. The dose of vinegar is f5j-iv. Concentrated 
acetic acid is a corrosive poison, for which the alkalies and 
their carbonates, soap, &c, are the antidotes. Citric Acid 
may be agreeably administered in the juice of lemons, limes, 
sour oranges, and tamarinds. When these cannot be obtained, 
a solution of citric acid (3j to water Oj) may be substituted. 
Citric acid is manufactured from lemon or lime juice, by satu- 
rating it with carbonate of calcium, and afterwards decomposing 
the citrate of calcium, which is formed, by the addition of sulphu- 
ric acid. It occurs in colourless crystals (H 3 C 6 H 5 7 ,H 2 0), having 
the form of rhomboidal prisms with dihedral summits, freely 
soluble in water, and soluble in alcohol ; 5ixss, added to distilled 
water Oj, form a solution of the average strength of lemon- 
juice. In the dose of f5j every hour or two, lemon-juice, 
limonis succus (the juice of the fruit of Citrus Limonum), has 
been employed with success in acute rheumatism and gout, 
and, though an uncertain remedy, is occasionally of undoubted 
efficacy. Properly diluted and mixed with sugar, it forms 



NUX VOMICA. 231 

the delightful refrigerant known as lemonade. Lemon-juice 
is the best known remedy for scurvy. It has also proved 
of advantage in jaundice and torpor of the liver. Syrup of 
citric acid consists of 120 grains of powdered citric acid and 
four minims of oil of lemon rubbed up with a fluidounce of 
syrup, and afterwards dissolved in a pint and fifteen fluidounces 
more of syrup, at a gentle heat. Lemon syrup, which is 
pleasanter, is made by dissolving 48 troyounces of sugar in a 
pint of strained lemon-juice mixed with a pint of water, at a 
gentle heat. Spirit of lemon (sometimes called essence of 
lemon) is made by dissolving two fluidounces of oil of lemon 
(obtained from the rind of the fruit), in two pints of stronger 
alcohol, and adding a troyounce of freshly-grated lemon-peel ; 
dose f5i-ij- Tartaric Acid is the acid of grapes, and is ex- 
tracted from tartar, or crude cream of tartar. It is a white 
crystallized solid, in the form of irregular six-sided prisms 
(H 2 C 4 H 4 6 ), and is found in the shops as a fine white powder. 
It is soluble in water and alcohol. Being cheaper than citric 
acid, it may be used as a substitute for that acid. It is em- 
ployed in making soda and Seidlitz poivders. Tartaric acid 
yields a precipitate (cream of tartar) with a solution of carbonate 
or other neutral salt of potassium, while citric acid yields none. 

ORDER VIII. — SPINANTS. 

Under the term Spinants or Spastics, are comprised medi- 
cines which are employed to excite muscular contraction. Of 
this class, the most important articles are vegetable substances 
containing the alkaloids strychnia and brucia, which are em- 
ployed therapeutically in torpid or paralytic conditions of the 
muscular system — and ergot, which is used to excite muscular 
contractions of the uterus. 

NUX VOMICA. 

Strychnos Nux vomica, or Poison-Nut (Nat Ord. Apocy- 
nacese), is a middling-sized tree of the coast of Coromandel and 



232 MATERIA MEDICA. 

other parts of India, which bears a round, smooth berry, the 
size of a pretty large apple, of a rich orange colour, and con- 
taining numerous seeds embedded in a juicy pulp. The seeds 
are the officinal portion ; but the bark also is poisonous, and is 
known as false angustura bark, from its having been confounded 
with angustura bark. The seeds are round, peltate, less than 
an inch in diameter, nearly flat, or convex on one side and con- 
cave on the other, and surrounded by a narrow annular stria. 
They have two coats : a simple, fibrous, outer coat, covered with 
short, silky hairs, of a gray or yellowish colour, and a very thin 
inner coat, which envelopes the nucleus or kernel. This is 
hard, horny, of a whitish or yellowish colour, and of very dif- 
ficult pulverization. The seeds have no odour, but an intensely 
bitter taste, which is stronger in the kernel than in the invest- 
ing membrane. They impart their virtues to water, but more 
readily to diluted alcohol, and contain two active alkaloid prin- 
ciples, strychnia (which is officinal) and brucia, both of which 
exist in combination with an acid called strychnic or igasuric ; 
another alkaloid, termed igasuria, much more soluble in water 
than the two first named, has been lately extracted from nux 
vomica. 

Strychnia (C 21 H 22 N 2 2 ) is obtained by the following pro- 
cess : Nux vomica is digested and boiled in water acidulated 
with muriatic acid, and the resulting muriate of strychnia and 
brucia is decomposed by milk of lime. The strychnia is sepa- 
rated from brucia and impurities by boiling alcohol, from 
which it is deposited when cool, the brucia being left in solu- 
tion. It is then converted into a sulphate by the addition of 
diluted sulphuric acid, next decolorized by purified animal 
charcoal, and again precipitated by solution of ammonia. 
Thus obtained, it occurs as a white or grayish-white powder 
(but may be made to crystallize in the form of white, brilliant, 
rhombic prisms), of an intensely bitter taste, almost insoluble 
in water, slightly soluble in cold alcohol, but readily soluble in 
boiling alcohol. The usual test for strychnia is the bichromate 
of potassium, which, added to a solution of strychnia in concen- 
trated sulphuric acid, produces a violet colour, which after a 



NUX VOMICA. 233 

time changes to wine-red, and then to reddish-yellow. A still 
more delicate test is a solution of permanganate of potassium 
(gr. 1) in sulphuric acid (grs. 200). In both these tests, the 
reagent is nascent oxygen. Binoxide of lead, peroxide of 
manganese, and ferrocyanide of potassium, act in the same 
way. The presence of morphia in excess may disguise the 
colour test ; here chloroform should be used to separate the 
strychnia from morphia. When gently heated with a saturated 
solution of iodic acid, strychnia gives a rose-pink tint. The 
physiological test should be always resorted to : if a small frog 
be placed in an ounce of water, containing yi^ of a grain of 
strychnia salt, in two or three hours it will undergo tetanic 
spasms, and soon die. The effects of strychnia are similar to 
those of nux vomica, but more violent ; its local action is that 
of an irritant. It is employed for the same purposes as nux 
vomica, and should be given in very minute doses, as gr. g J 2 to 
Jg to begin with, to be gradually increased and repeated. The 
salts of strychnia may be also employed in the same doses, but 
they are more soluble, and therefore more active. For ender- 
mic use, gr. ^ of strychnia may be used ; it is best used in 
amaurosis hypodermically, ^ of a grain to begin with. 

Strychnine Sulphas (Sulphate of Strychnia), is made by 
dissolving a mixture of strychnia in distilled water, with diluted 
sulphuric acid, and evaporating. It occurs as a white salt, in 
colourless, prismatic crystals, efflorescent, odourless, very bitter, 
readily soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, and 
insoluble in ether. It responds to the tests for strychnia, and 
may be used for the same purposes, and in the same doses. 

Brucia (C 23 H 26 N 2 4 ), which is not officinal, resembles strych- 
nia in its action, but is much weaker. It is convertible into 
strychnia by oxidizing agents, a point of importance in forensic 
analysis. 

Physiological Effects. — In very small and repeated doses, 
nux vomica has a tonic and diuretic effect, and sometimes ope- 
rates slightly on the bowels and skin. In somewhat larger 
doses, the stomach is often disturbed ; and in still larger doses, 
the muscular system becomes disordered. A sense of weight 



-34 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and weakness in the limbs, and increased sensibility to external 
impressions of all kinds, manifest themselves, with depression 
of spirits and anxiety ; the limbs tremble, and slight convulsive 
movements of the muscles appear, if the medicine be con- 
tinued, convulsive paroxysms of the whole muscular system 
ensue, with erotic desires, painful sensations in the skin, and 
occasionally eruptions ; the pulse is not much affected. In 
paralytic patients, the effects of the medicine are principally 
observed in the paralyzed parts. When taken in excessive 
doses, it produces tetanus, asphyxia, and death, the intellect 
being usually unaffected, up to the fatal termination. There 
is no chemical antidote, unless, perhaps, tannic acid, and the 
ioduretted iodide of potassium ; after evacuating the stomach, 
opium, conium, ether, chloroform, extract of Indian hemp, 
camphor, chloral, calabar bean, bromide of potassium, or atro- 
pia, may be exhibited, as physiological antidotes. 

Medicinal Uses. — This medicine is our chief resource in 
torpid or paralytic conditions of the motor or sensitive nerves, 
or of the muscular fibre. When, however, paralysis is the 
result of inflammation of the nervous centres, it is injurious, 
and accelerates organic changes. It is most beneficial in those 
forms of paralysis which are independent of structural lesion, 
as lead palsy or paralysis from drunkenness. In paralysis, 
arising from cerebral hemorrhage, — after the absorption of the 
effused blood, and the paralysis remains, as it were from habit, — 
the cautious employment of nux vomica is often attended with 
advantage. In amaurosis, free from cerebral complication, it 
is very useful ; and it is occasionally serviceable in other ner- 
vous affections. It has also been found beneficial in chorea, 
constipation, dysentery, cholera, diarrhoea, impotence, inconti- 
nence of urine, eczema, and spermatorrhoea ; and in small doses 
it has been used with excellent effect as a general tonic, where 
there is loss of nerve-power, and as a stomachic in dyspepsia. 

Administration. — Dose of the powder, gr. ij or iij, in pills, 
several times a day, and increased till an effect is produced ; 
of the extract (alcoholic), gr. \ to gr. j, to be repeated and 
increased ; of the tincture (eight troy ounces to alcohol Oij), 



ERGOT. 235 

gtt. v to xx, and this is sometimes used as an embrocation to 
paralyzed parts. A tolerance of nox vomica and strychnia is 
rapidly established in the system. 



IGNATIA. 

The seed of Strychnos Ignatia, or St. Ignatius' Bean, a tree 
of the Philippine Islands, contains a large proportion of strych- 
nia, and possesses medicinal properties analogous to those of 
nux vomica. It is used in this country in the form of extract 
(alcoholic), which may be given to fulfil the same remedial 
indications as extract of nux vomica, in the dose of half a grain 
to a grain, three times a day. 

Toxicodendron (Poison- Oak). The leaves of Rhus Toxi- 
codendron, or Poison-Oak (Nat. Ord. Anacardiacese), an indi- 
genous shrub from one to three feet high, and other species of 
Rhus, possess properties somewhat analogous to those of nux 
vomica, and have been employed with success in paralysis. 
They contain a peculiar acid principle (toxic odendric acid), to 
which their poisonous and medicinal activity is due. Dose, 
gr. j to gr. iij, or more, to be repeated and increased. In 
cases of poisoning, the irritation of the skin is relieved by 
glycerite of carbolic acid, or alkaline solutions. 

ERGOTA — ERGOT. 

Ergot is now known to be a fungus growing from the diseased 
ovary of Secale cereale, or Rye (Nat. Ord. Graminacese). The 
U. S. Pharmacopoeia styles it the Scleroticum of Claviceps 
purpurea, replacing the grain of secale cereale. Its predis- 
posing cause is unknown, and it is not peculiar to rye, many 
other grasses being subject to it, as abortion in grazing animals 
has been frequently produced by their eating grasses affected 
with ergot. The ergot usually projects out of the glum or 
husk of the plant, beyond the ordinary outline of the spike or 
ear. It should not be collected until some days after it has 



236 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



begun to form, as it is thought not to possess full activity until 
about the sixth day of its formation. As found in the shops, 



Fie. 23. 




it consists of cylindrical or somewhat prismatical tapering 
grains, curved like the spur of a cock, of a purplish colour 
externally, and of a yellowish or grayish-white colour within. 
Its smell is peculiar and nauseous ; its taste is at first faint, 
but becomes bitterish, acrid, and disagreeable. It yields its 



ERGOT. 237 

virtues to water and alcohol, and does not keep well, being 
liable to the attacks of a minute worm. It deteriorates much 
more rapidly in powder than when in grain, in the former con- 
dition soon becoming inert. 

Numerous analyses have been made of ergot, but there is still 
uncertainty as regards its active principles. The oil of ergot 
is not now believed to be, when pure, the medicinal constituent. 
A volatile alkaloid, termed secalia (identical with trimethyla- 
mia* the odorous principle of pickled herring), exists in ergot ; 
and, lately, two fixed alkaloids (ergotina and ecbolind) are said 
to have been discovered, in combination with an acid termed 
ergotic. Ecbolina is believed to be the principle which causes 
uterine contraction, half a grain of it being said to produce the 
effect of 30 grains of ergot. The existence, however, of any 
active principle, separable from ergot, which represents the 
article, is by no means generally received. 

Physiological Effects. — The effects of ergot, in medicinal 
doses, are most conspicuous on the female system, in which it 
excites powerful contractions of the uterus. After labour has 
commenced, in ten or twenty minutes from its administration, 
it increases the violence, frequency, and continuance of labour 
pains, which usually never cease until the child is born. Ad- 
ministered before labour, it frequently originates the process, 
though its effects in this respect are less constant. And even 
on the unimpregnated uterus, it produces painful contractions, 
and evinces an influence over morbid conditions of the organ, 
by checking uterine hemorrhage, and expelling polypi. It is 
now, however, settled that ergot induces contraction of the 
unstriped or involuntary muscular fibre, wherever found, 
causing contraction of the bloodvessels everywhere, and that 
it is thus available generally as a remedy in cerebral and spinal 
congestions, hemorrhages, tumours, morbid growths, and en- 
largements. In large doses, it produces vomiting, purging, 
and a marked sedative effect on the circulation, and in ex- 

* Trimelhy lamia, which has the same elementary composition as propylamia 
(C 3 H 7 HHN), has been used in rheumatism, gout, and neuralgia, in doses of 
two drops in some aromatic water, every two hours. 



238 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

cessive quantity it acts as an acro-narcotic poison on both 
sexes. "When it is used for a length of time as an article of 
food, it produces a peculiar morbid condition, termed ergotism, 
which assumes two forms, one attended with convulsions, the 
other with dry gangrene of the limbs. 

Medicinal Uses. — The chief employment of ergot is to pro- 
mote the action of the uterus in parturition, when its expul- 
satory efforts are feeble and inefficient. It is, however, ad- 
missible only w r hen there is a proper conformation of the pelvis 
and soft parts, when the os uteri, vagina, and os externum are 
dilated or readily dilatable, and when the presentation of the 
child is such as to offer no great mechanical impediment to 
delivery. It is also useful — when from any cause it is import- 
ant to accelerate delivery ; in women subject to flooding, given 
just before delivery ; to promote the expulsion of the placenta, 
when it is retained from a want of contraction of the uterus ; 
to expel clots, hydatids, polypi, &c. ; to restrain uterine hem- 
orrhage, whether puerperal or non-puerperal ; to excite and 
promote abortion, &c. ; and locally as a styptic. It is now 
much employed, also, in hemorrhages generally, in gonorrhoea, 
dysmenorrhcea, paralysis of the bladder, purpura, diabetes 
insipidus, and several other diseases ; lately, with marked suc- 
cess, in hypertrophy of the prostate ; by hypodermic injection, 
in the cure of aneurism and varix, and of fibroid tumours of 
the uterus ; and also in paralysis dependent upon congestion 
of the spinal cord. By many, ergot is believed to exercise a 
dangerous sedative influence on the child during labour (owing 
to the interference of the passage of blood from the placenta, 
during violent uterine contraction), and its use may occasionally 
produce foetal death, which timely resort to the forceps would 
have prevented. 

Administration. — Ergot may be given in labour, in the dose 
of 3i, in powder, every twenty minutes, till its effects are pro- 
duced, or three doses are taken ; in other diseases, the dose is 
from three to five grains. It may be safely given, in chronic 
diseases, for a long period, without danger of ergotism ; the 
indication of the maximum dose having been reached is the 



BARK OF COTTON ROOT. 239 

production of uterine colic, when the dose should be dimin- 
ished. The fluid extract is the best preparation (a fluidounce 
representing a troyounce of ergot), — dose, 20 to 30 drops.* 
The wine (vinum ergotse), contains 4 fluidounces of fluid ex- 
tract, in 28 fluidounces of sherry wine. Dose, f5j to f5y. 

GOSSYPII RADICIS CORTEX — BARK OF COTTON ROOT. 

Gossypium herbaceum (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae), is a native of 
Asia, extensively cultivated in tropical and semi-tropical coun- 
tries, and with great success in the South Atlantic and Gulf 
districts of the United States. By cultivation, different varie- 
ties of this plant have been produced. The root should be col- 
lected immediately after the cotton is harvested, and the root- 
bark should be of a yellowish-brown colour externally, inter- 
nally much lighter ; when chewed, it has a slightly sweetish, 
astringent taste. It has long been recognized by Southern 
physicians as possessing decided influence in exciting uterine 
contractions. A decoction (made by boiling four troyounces of 
the inner bark of the root in a quart of water to a pint), has 
been used in doses of a wineglassful, repeated. The only offi- 
cinal preparation is the fluid extract (which, when first pre- 
pared, is of a brownish-yellow colour, changing, however, to a 
bright red); dose, f5\j- Cotton, the well-known filamentous 
substance separated from the seed of the varieties of gossypium, 
is a useful application to burns, and parts affected with ery- 
sipelas and rheumatism. 

* Dr. E. R. Squibb urges that the formula of the last edition of the 
Pharmacopoeia for the preparation of the fluid extract of ergot is objection- 
able, from the introduction of glycerin, and also from the addition of acetic 
acid to the preparation after percolation, instead of percolating the drug 
with diluted alchol, acidulated with acetic acid. At his suggestion, the 
formula of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1860 is now generally employed. 
For hypodermic use, the fluid extract should be reduced by evaporation to 
one-sixth of its weight, and sixty grains of this extract should be dissolved 
in four fluidrachms of water ; four minims of this aqueous solution repre- 
sent one grain of extract and six grains of ergot. The preparations used 
under the name of ergotin are of uncertain strength. 



-40 MATERIA MEDICA. 

CLASS IL— EC CRITICS. 

ORDER I. — EMETICS. 

Emetics (from e/t«w, I vomit), are medicines which are em- 
ployed to promote vomiting ; when they are used merely to 
excite nausea, they are termed nauseants. When an emetic is 
administered, usually within fifteen or twenty minutes after- 
wards, a feeling of distress, relaxation, and faintness is expe- 
rienced, with coolness and moisture of the skin, and a small, 
feeble, irregular pulse. These symptoms increase, till the con- 
tents of the stomach are ejected. During the act of vomiting, 
the face becomes flushed, the pulse is full and frequent, and 
the temperature of the body is increased. After vomiting is 
over, the skin is moist, the pulse soft and feeble, the patient 
becomes languid and drowsy, and, under peculiar circum- 
stances, alarming and even fatal syncope has been induced. 
Vomiting is a reflex spinal act. Dr. Marshall Hall gives the 
following summary of its mechanism : " During the act of 
vomiting, 1, the larynx is closed; 2, the cardia is opened; and 
3, all the muscles of expiration are called into action ; but, 4, 
actual expiration being prevented by the closure of the larynx, 
the force of the effort is expended upon the stomach, the cardia 
being open, and vomiting is effected," 

Susceptibility to the action of emetics differs in different in- 
dividuals and in different diseases. In fevers, and where gastric 
irritation is present, their influence is increased ; and, on the 
other hand, when the brain is oppressed by disease or by nar- 
cotic medicines, the stomach is exceedingly insensible to their 
action. 

Emetics are employed therapeutically : 1, to evacuate the 
stomach, for the purpose of removing poisons, undigested food, 
&c. ; and, with this view, the emetics should be selected which 
occasion least nausea and distress ; 2, to expel foreign bodies 
lodged in the throat or oesophagus ; 3, to excite nausea, and 
thereby depress the vascular and muscular systems ; 4, to re- 
lieve spasm, as in spasmodic croup ; 5, to promote secretion 



IPECACUANHA. 



241 



and excretion, &c. ; and, 6, sometimes, to break up a train of 
morbid association, by giving a shock to the system, as in the 
forming stages of certain fevers, as typhus and scarlatina, and 
of delirium tremens. They are improper in congestion of the 
brain, pregnancy, hernia, &c. The act of emesis is promoted 
by the free use of tepid drinks ; excessive vomiting may be 
checked by demulcents, opiates, counter-irritation to the stom- 
ach, &c. 

VEGETABLE EMETICS. 
IPECACUANHA. 

Ipecacuanha is the root of Cephaelis Ipecacuanha (Nat. 
Ord. Cinchonaceae), a small shrubby perennial plant of Brazil, 

Fig. 24. 




where it grows to the height of about five or six inches. The 
roots, as met with in the shops, are in pieces about the size of 

16 



-4li MATERIA MEDICA. 

a quill, several inches long, of an irregular, twisted, contorted 
shape, with numerous circular rings or rugae, from which they 
have been termed annulated. When broken, they are seen to 
consist of two distinct parts — a thin ligneous axis or centre, 
which is nearly inert, and a thick cortical layer, which has an 
herbaceous, acrid, rather bitter taste, and a slightly nauseous 
odour. A distinction is made of brown, red, and gray ipecacu- 
anha, from differences in the colour of the epidermis, but they 
are all derived from the same plant, and are the same in pro- 
perties and composition ; the brown is the most common variety 
in our market. The powder is of a light grayish-fawn colour, 
and has a peculiar nauseous odour, which in some persons ex- 
cites violent sneezing, in others dyspnoea. Ipecacuanha im- 
parts its virtues to both water and alcohol, but they are injured 
by decoction. Its emetic property depends on the presence of 
a peculiar alkaline principle, termed emetia (C 30 H 44 N 2 O 8 ), a 
whitish, inodorous, slightly bitter substance, sparingly soluble 
in water and ether, and very soluble in concentrated alcohol 
and chloroform. It produces vomiting in the dose of gr. J 3 
and in overdoses may occasion dangerous and even fatal symp- 
toms. Occasionally, a sophisticated root, that of Psychotria 
e?netica, derived from New Granada, is found in the markets ; 
this is not annulated, but longitudinally striated, and contains 
less than half the quantity of emetia, found in the genuine 
root (10J per cent.). 

Effects and Uses. — In full doses, ipecacuanha is a mild and 
certain emetic, well adapted to the treatment of spasmodic 
croup and acute bronchitis in children, and to all cases where a 
simple evacuation of the stomach is desired. In smaller doses, 
it produces nausea, depression of the pulse, expectoration, and 
diaphoresis, and with these views it is employed in the treat- 
ment of pulmonary affections, dysentery, and inflammatory dis- 
orders generally. In still smaller doses, it is useful as a tonic 
and stomachic. Ipecacuanha was first introduced as a remedy 
in dysentery, and, after being for a time laid aside, has been 
again recently used with marked success. 

Administration. — Dose, as an emetic, gr. xv to gr. xx, often 



BLOODROOT. 243 

combined with a grain of tartar emetic; as a nauseant, gr. ss 
to gr. ij, three or four times a day ; as an expectorant or dia- 
phoretic, gr. J to gr. J, repeated ; as a tonic, gr. y 1 ^, repeated. 
The fluid extract is used as an addendum to expectorant and 
diaphoretic mixtures, a fluidounce representing an ounce of the 
root ; as an emetic, dose C5ss-i ; the wine (vinum ipecacuanhas), 
contains two fluidounces of fluid extract in 30 fluidounces of 
Sherry wine ; dose, as an emetic, fBss-i ; one part of fluid ex- 
tract, mixed with fifteen parts of simple syrup, makes Syrupus 
Ipecacuanhas, an excellent preparation for children — foj con- 
taining gr. xxx of ipecacuanha ; for a child a year or two old, 
f5ss-j may be given as an emetic, and v-xx drops as an ex- 
pectorant. Pulvis Ipecacuanhas Compositus, Compound Pow- 
der of Ipecacuanha, or Dover's Powder (see Opium, p. 60). 
Troches of Ipecacuanha contain also arrow-root, sugar, and 
tragacanth (ipecacuanha and tragacanth each two drachms, 
arrow-root two troyounces, sugar eight troyounces, made into 
a mass with syrup of orange peel, which is to be divided into 
480 troches, each containing one-third of a grain of ipecacu- 
anha). 

SANGUINARIA — BLOODROOT. 

The rhizome of Sanguinaria Canadensis, or Bloodroot (Nat. 
Orel. Papaveracese), a small, indigenous plant, with radical, 
cordate, lobate leaves, and a handsome, white, eight-petaled 
flower, which appears in early spring — is usually classed with 
emetics. When dried, it is in flattened pieces, much wrinkled 
and contorted, of a reddish-brown colour, with a faint narcotic 
odour, and a bitterish, very acrid taste. It yields its virtues 
to water and alcohol, and loses them rapidly by keeping. An 
active alkaline principle, sanguinarina (C 37 H 64 N 4 8 ), has been 
obtained from it, which possesses the properties of the root. 

Effects and Uses. — Bloodroot is an acrid emetic, and, in 
large doses, an acro-narcotic poison. Locally, it acts as an 
irritant, and upon fungous surfaces as an escharotic. It is not 
much used as an emetic; but is occasionally employed with 



'2U 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



this view, in croup and diphtheria, or as a nauseant in pulmo- 
nary affections. Dose, as an emetic, gr. x to xx, in pill ; or in 

Fig. 25. 




infusion (half a troyounce to boiling water Oj — not officinal), 
of which f §ss is the dose. Tincture (four troyounces to diluted 
alcohol Oij) — dose as an emetic, f5iij or iv; as an expectorant, 
30 to 60 drops. The Vinegar (Acetum) is of the same strength 
as the tincture. 



GILLENIA. 



245 



EUPHORBIACOROLATT A — L ARGEFLOWERINGSPURGB. 

Fig. 26. 




Euphorbia Ipecacuanha (Ipecacuanha Spurge). The roots 
of these indigenous plants (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacese), possess 
emetic properties ; but they are apt to operate on the bowels, 
and, in overdoses, prove extremely violent. Dose, gr. x to xv. 



GILLENIA. 



Gillenia trifoliata, Indian Physic, or American Ipecacuanha 
(Nat. Ord. Rosaceae), is an indigenous herbaceous plant, with 
a perennial root, consisting of a number of fibres, arising from 
a tuber ; one or more stems, two or three feet high, of a red- 



246 materia medica. 

dish-brown colour ; trifoliate leaves ; and white flowers, with a 
tinge of red. West of the Allegheny mountains, another 
species, G. stipulacea, is found, which is identical with the tri- 
foliata in its properties, and is distinguished from it by having 
its lower leaves pinnatifid. The officinal portion of both is the 
root. As found in the shops, it consists of pieces not thicker 
than a quill, wrinkled, of a reddish-brown colour, and composed 
of an easily separable and pulverizable cortical portion, and a 
comparatively inert internal ligneous cord, which should be 
rejected. The bark has a feeble odour, and a nauseous, bitter 
taste, and makes a light brownish powder. 

Effects and Uses. — Gillenia is a safe and efficacious emetic, 
resembling ipecacuanha in its action, and, like it, in small doses 
proves a useful diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, &c. Dose, as 
an emetic, gr. xxx ; as an expectorant or diaphoretic, gr. ij to 
iv ; and as a tonic, gr. J. 

Sinapis (Mustard). The powdered seeds of Sinapis nigra 
and Sinapis alba (Nat. Ord. Brassicacese), in doses of from a 
teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, are very useful emetics, par- 
ticularly in atonic conditions of the stomach. 

Tobacco and Lobelia act as emetics in large doses, but 
their employment is attended with danger, owing to the great 
prostration which they produce (see pp. 73, 75). Squill also 
possesses emetic powers, but it is too irritating for use in this 
respect. 

MINERAL EMETICS. 

Tartar Emetic. Dose, gr. j to gr. ij (see p. 220). 
Sulphate of Zinc. Dose, gr. x to gr. xx (see p. 155). 
Sulphate of Copper. Dose, gr. iij to gr. v (see p. 154). 
Alum. Dose, a teaspoonful (see p. 190). 

ORDER II. — CATHARTICS. 

Cathartics (from nadaipo, I purge), termed also purgatives, are 
medicines which produce evacuations from the bowels. Some 



CATHARTICS. 247 

operate by increasing the peristaltic motion of the intestines ; 
others stimulate the mucous follicles and exhalants, and occa- 
sion watery evacuations, whence they are termed hydragogues. 
The more violent of the hydragogues, if given in overdoses, 
produce inflammation of the alimentary canal, characterized by 
violent vomiting and purging, abdominal pain and tenderness, 
cold extremities, and sinking pulse. From their activity, they 
are denominated drastics. Different cathartics affect different 
parts of the alimentary canal unequally, some acting more par- 
ticularly on the upper portion, some on the lower, and others 
affecting all parts equally. Mercurial preparations purge 
chiefly by inducing a flow of bile from the liver. 

Cathartics may be arranged into five groups : 1. Laxatives, 
which gently evacuate the contents of the bowels, without 
causing any obvious irritation, or affecting the general system. 

2. Saline cathartics, which increase both the peristaltic action 
of the bowels and the effusion of fluids from the mucous surface, 
but are devoid of any excitant action on the general system, 
and are therefore adapted to the treatment of febrile and in- 
flammatory cases. 3. Mild acrid cathartics, which are acrid, 
but not sufficiently violent in their local action to cause inflam- 
mation. 4. Drastics, comprising the more powerful and irri- 
tating cathartics, which, in large doses, act as acrid poisons. 
5. Mercurial cathartics. 

Cathartics are employed therapeutically, — 1. To evacuate 
the bowels in constipation, and remove noxious matters, as re- 
tained feces, undigested food, morbid secretions, worms, poisons, 
&c. 2. To depurate the blood, as in typhus fever, uraemia, &c. 

3. To relieve inflammation, congestion, and plethora, by the 
depletion of the bloodvessels, which results from increased se- 
cretion and exhalation from the gastro-intestinal canal. 4. To 
promote absorption. 5. To affect remote organs, particularly 
the brain, through the agency of revulsion and counter-irrita- 
tion. 6. To stimulate the secretion of the liver and pancreas, 
by irritating the orifice of the ductus communis choledochus. 
7. In the treatment of diarrhoea. 8. To relieve spasm of the 
bowels. 9. To restore the catamenia, by the irritating influ- 



248 MATERIA MEDICA. 

once which they exert on the pelvic vessels. The more active 
cathartics are contraindicated in cases of inflammation or ulcer- 
ation of the gastrointestinal mucous membrane, peritonitis, 
the advanced stages of typhoid fever, pregnancy, &c. 

The operation of cathartics is promoted by the addition of 
small doses of emetics and of the bitters. By combining those 
which act upon different portions of the alimentary canal, their 
operation is rendered less irritant, without any diminution of 
purgative efficiency. The griping and nauseating tendency of 
the drastic cathartics may be corrected by the addition of aro- 
matics ; carbonic acid water is a grateful vehicle for administer- 
ing the saline preparations. Cathartics operate most speedily 
and favourably when given on an empty stomach, and suscepti- 
bility to their action is diminished during sleep, and increased 
by exercise. Mild diluent beverages promote their operation. 
In the event of hypercatharsis, opium should be administered 
by the mouth or rectum. 

LAXATIVES. 

Several articles of diet have a laxative operation on the 
bowels, and are useful in cases of habitual costiveness, as most 
of the ripe and dried fruits, — particularly tamarinds, peaches, 
apples, raisins, figs, and prunes, — West India molasses, honey, 
bran, cracked wheat, Indian meal and oatmeal, &c. 

The following medicinal substances are usually arranged 
under the head of laxatives, and are employed in cases where 
we wish to open the bowels with the least possible irritation, — 
as in children and pregnant women, in inflammations or surgi- 
cal operations about the abdomen and pelvis, in typhoid fever, 
hernia, piles, affections of the rectum or womb, &c. : 

TAMARINDUS — TAMARIND. 

This is the preserved fruit of Tamarindus Indica (Nat. 
Ord. Fabacese), a large tree of the East Indies, extensively cul- 
tivated also in the tropical portions of America. It comes to 



MANNA. 249 

the United States chiefly from the West Indies. The preserved 
pods, as found in the shops, consist of a dark-coloured adhesive 
mass, formed of pulp, fragments of the pods, seeds, and syrup, 
of a sweetish acidulous taste. They contain a good deal of 
citric acid, with some tartaric and a little malic acid. An 
infusion of the pulp (half an ounce to a pint of boiling water), 
sweetened, makes a pleasant refrigerant and laxative drink ; 
half an ounce to an ounce of the pulp is a good laxative. It 
enters into the confection of senna. 

MANNA. 

Manna is the concrete saccharine exudation, in flakes, of 
Fraxinus ornus, and of Fraxinus rotundifolia (Nat. Oral. Olea- 
cese), small trees of Sicily and southern Italy. It is obtained 
from incisions into the stems of the trees. The best kind is 
produced during the height of the season, when the juice flows 
vigorously, and from the upper stems, where it is less fatty. 
It is called flake manna or manna cannulata, and consists of 
pieces from one to six inches long, one to two inches wide, and 
from half an inch to an inch thick, of irregular form, but more 
or less stalactitic, hollowed out on one side (from the shape of 
the tree or substance on which they are concreted), of a white 
or yellowish-white colour, an odour like that of honey, and a 
sweet, afterwards rather acrid taste. A commoner manna, 
called common manna, or manna in sorts, is obtained from 
incisions later in the season, and from the lower stems. It 
occurs in small pieces, which seldom exceed an inch in length, 
and are softer, more viscid, and darker than the flake manna. 
A still inferior variety is termed fat manna, and consists of 
small, soft, viscid fragments, of a dirty, yellowish-brown 
colour, mixed with a few pieces of the flake manna. Manna is 
soluble in both water and alcohol, and contains a white, crys- 
talline, saccharine principle, termed mannite (C 6 H 14 6 ), not 
susceptible of alcoholic fermentation (found also in mushrooms, 
the olive tree, and other plants), some sugar, and a resin, to 
which it probably owes most of its purgative effect. 



250 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Effects a)id Uses. — In moderate doses, manna is nutritive; 
in larger, mildly laxative. It is given principally to children, 
to whom its sweet taste renders it acceptable ; and it is some- 
times combined with the more active cathartics. It may be 
taken in substance, or dissolved in warm milk or water. Dose 
for an adult, §j to 5\j ; for children, 5j to 5iij- 

CASSIA FISTULA — PURGING CASSIA. 

This is the fruit of Cassia Fistula {Nat. Ord. Fabacese), -a 
large tree of Egypt and the East Indies, now naturalized in 
the West Indies and South America. It consists of long, 
woody, dark-brown pods, about an inch in diameter, and nearly 
two feet in length, which contain numerous seeds imbedded in 
a soft black pulp. The pulp is the part used, and has a faint, 
nauseous odour, and a sweet, rather pleasant, mucilaginous 
taste. It is, in small doses, a mild, agreeable laxative, but its 
chief use is as an ingredient in the Confection of Senna. Dose. 
5j to gj. 

Oleum Oliv^: (Olive Oil). The well-known fixed oil ob- 
tained from the fruit of Olea Europsea, or Olive Tree (Nat. 
Ord. Oleace^e), is nutritive, demulcent, emollient, and laxa- 
tive. It is frequently prescribed as a constituent of laxative 
enemata. 

Oleum Amygdala Expressum (Expressed Oil of Almond), 
is used for the same purposes as olive oil. 

oleum r i ci xi — castor oil. 

Castor oil is the fixed oil obtained from the seed of 
Ricinus communis, or Palma Christi (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae), 
a small perennial tree of India, now naturalized in many warm 
climates, and cultivated extensively in the United States. In 
this country, it is an annual plant, about five or six feet in 
height, with round, thick-jointed, furrowed stems, of a purplish 
colour above ; large peltato-palmate leaves, divided into seven 



CASTOR OIL. 251 

or nine segments, on long round footstalks, and prickly, three- 
celled capsules, with a seed in each cell. The seeds are ovate, 
about the size of a small bean, and of a gray colour, marbled 
with reddish-brown spots and stripes. They possess consider- 
able acridity, and, in large quantities, have produced death. 
They consist of a thin outer pellicle, an inner, hard, blackish 
shell — both of which are inert — and a white oleaginous kernel, 
which contains the acrid principle. 

Castor oil is obtained by expression, by decoction, and by 
the agency of alcohol. The first method is the best, and is 
that which is pursued in this country, where large quantities 
are made, both for home consumption and exportation ; heat 
should not be employed in preparing it, as it renders it 
rancid. Thus procured, it is nearly colourless, or of a pale- 
yellow colour, of a thick, viscid consistence, a faint, unpleasant 
odour, and a mild, nauseous taste, and becomes rancid and 
thick by exposure to the air. It is not soluble in water, but 
is extremely soluble in alcohol, readily so in ether, and forms 
soaps with alkalies. Its composition is not well understood ; 
its constituents would seem to be mainly ricinolein (a saponifi- 
able oil resembling olein), and a little stearin and palmitin. 

Effects and Uses. — Castor oil is a mild and tolerably certain 
laxative, operating, when pure, without uneasiness in the 
bowels. It is admirably adapted to all cases where a free 
evacuation of the bowels is desired, without abdominal irrita- 
tion, as in dysentery, pregnancy, typhoid fever, &c, and is an 
excellent purgative for children. The leaves are said to possess 
galactagogue properties, and are applied to the breasts, in the 
form of decoction, to induce the secretion of milk. 

Administration. — For adults the dose is f^ss to f§j ; for 
children f5j to fSss. To cover its unpleasant flavour, it is 
sometimes taken floating on spirit, coffee, mint-water, com- 
pound spirit of ether, &c, or made into an emulsion, or mixed 
with the froth of porter or a little oil of bitter almond. 

Flaxseed Oil and Melted Butter are laxative in the 
same doses as castor oil. 



'2o2 materia medica. 



SULPHUR. 



Sulphur exists in both kingdoms of nature. It is procured 
by the purification of native sulphur, and by the decomposition 
of the native sulphurets. The sulphur of commerce is gene- 
rally obtained in the former way, chiefly from Sicily, and is 
termed crude sulphur ; it comes also from Romagna in Italy, 
and from California, and, very recently, considerable deposits 
of sulphur have been found in the island of Saba, one of the 
Dutch West Indies. After importation, it is purified by subli- 
mation, and is known as sublimed sulphur — sulphur subli- 
matum. It is sometimes sublimed in the form of an impalpable 
powder, when it is called the flowers of sulphur. Sometimes it 
is cast in wooden moulds, and forms the roll sulphur or brim- 
stone of commerce. Sublimed sulphur contains more or less 
sulphuric acid, and for medicinal use, it is further purified by 
washing, when it constitutes the Sulphur Lotum or Washed 
Sulphur of the Pharmacopoeia. As met with in the shops, it 
is a fine bright-yellow powder, with a feeble odour and taste, 
insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, 
alkaline solutions, and the oils ; and, when perfectly pure, it is 
wholly volatilized by heat, and ought not to change the colour 
of litmus paper. 

Effects and Uses. — In small and repeated doses, sulphur is 
a gentle stimulant to the skin and mucous membranes ; and in 
larger doses, it acts as a mild purgative, without exciting the 
pulse or occasioning griping. It is probably absorbed by being 
converted in the small intestine, by the alkali of the bile, into a 
sulphide ; after its continued use, the intestinal gases give off 
sulphuretted hydrogen. It is employed in the cases to which 
laxatives are applicable, and also as an alterative diaphoretic 
in chronic cutaneous diseases, rheumatism, and gout, and as an 
expectorant in pulmonary affections. It is considered a spe- 
cially useful laxative in hemorrhoids. To increase its cathartic 
effect, it is often combined with cream of tartar or magnesia. 
Externally, it is a valuable remedy in various skin diseases, 
particularly scabies. 



SULPHUR. 253 

Administration. — Dose, 5j to 5iij or 5iv, in syrup, treacle, 
or milk. Externally, it is applied in the form of vapour-bath 
or ointment. Unguentum Sulphuris consists of one part of 
sulphur and two parts of lard, rubbed together until thoroughly 
mixed. 

Sulphur Pr^cipitatum (Precipitated Sulphur, or Lac Sul- 
phuris), is prepared by boiling together sulphur, slaked lime, 
and water, and afterwards precipitating the sulphur by muriatic 
acid. It is a finer and softer powder than sublimed sulphur, is 
of a paler yellow colour, with a grayish tint, and is not gritty 
between the teeth. When exposed to the air, however, it is 
liable to become contaminated with sulphuric acid, and, as 
found in commerce, it is often adulterated with sulphate of 
calcium. Its effects, uses, and doses are the same as those of 
sublimed sulphur. 

Potassii Sulphuretum (Sulphuret of Potassium), or Liver 
of sulphur, is prepared by rubbing together one part of dried 
sulphur with two parts of carbonate of potassium, afterwards 
melting the mixture, and pouring it when cold into a bottle. 
Its composition is variable and uncertain. When freshly and 
carefully prepared, it is of a liver colour, has an acrid, alkaline, 
disagreeable taste, and forms an orange-yellow solution with 
water. This salt and the other sulphides probably act like 
sulphur ; they are perhaps in part decomposed by the acids of 
the stomach, but any liberated sulphur must be again combined 
with the alkali of the bile. Taken in large quantities, the 
potassium sulphuret is considered to be a corrosive poison, 
capable of producing fatal gastro-enteric inflammation. The 
sulphides are considered to be expectorant, diaphoretic, and 
alterative. They have been especially recommended in the 
scrofulous abscesses of children — the sulphide of calcium being 
preferred ; dose, for an adult, 2 to 10 grains, several times a 
day. They are used externally in scaly skin diseases, in the 
form of ointment (5ss to si of lard), and of baths. 



254 MATERIA MEDICA. 



SALINE CATHARTICS. 
MAGNESIA. 

Magnesia, sometimes called calcined magnesia, from the 
mode in which it is prepared, is procured by exposing the car- 
bonate of magnesium to a red heat, till the carbonic acid is 
wholly expelled. It is a light, fine, white, colourless, odour- 
less powder (MgO), of a feeble, earthy taste, very slightly solu- 
ble in water, and more soluble in cold than in hot water. 
Henry s Magnesia, a patent English medicine, has the advan- 
tage over the ordinary magnesia, of greater density and soft- 
ness, and more ready miscibility with water. Magnesia, pre- 
pared by Husband, and Ellis, of Philadelphia, is very similar 
in properties to Henry's. 

Effects and Uses. — Magnesia is antacid and laxative. A 
good deal of its cathartic effect is the result of its combination 
with the free acids of the stomach and intestines, in which 
soluble magnesian salts are formed. When taken in large quan- 
tities, and for too long a period, it sometimes accumulates in 
the bowels ; and hence it is best to increase its solubility by 
giving it with lemonade. It is an excellent laxative where 
much acidity exists in the stomach ; and is particularly useful 
in infantile cases. As an antacid, it is employed in heartburn, 
sick headache, and nephritic complaints. Dose, as a laxative, 
5j ; as an antacid, 3j, in water or milk. Of Henry's, half the 
quantity. 

MAGNESII CARBONAS* — CARBONATE OF MAGNESIUM. 

Carbonate of magnesium, sometimes called magnesia alba, is 
prepared by decomposing sulphate of magnesium with an alka- 
line carbonate. As found in the shops, it is a combination of 
carbonate of magnesium and hydrate of magnesium (3MgC0 3 , 
Mg2HO,4H 2 0). It occurs in the form of light, white, cubical 
cakes or powder ; is inodorous, almost insipid, and nearly in- 
soluble in water, but soluble in carbonic acid water. 



SOLUTION OF CITRATE OF MAGNESIUM. 255 

Its effects and uses are nearly the same as those of calcined 
magnesia ; but, from its effervescence with the acids of the 
stomach, it is apt to create flatulence, though sometimes, on 
this account, more acceptable to delicate stomachs. Dose, as 
a laxative, 5j to 5ij ; as an antacid, gr. x. 

MAGNESII SULPHAS — SULPHATE OF MAGNESIUM. 

This salt, commonly called Epsom Salt, from its having 
been first procured from the Epsom mineral water in England, 
occurs in native crystals, and is a constituent of sea-water and 
many saline springs. It is obtained in England from dolomite, 
or magnesian limestone; and also from bittern, or the residual 
liquor of sea-water, from which common salt has been sepa- 
rated. In this country, it is extensively manufactured at Balti- 
more and Philadelphia, by the action of sulphuric acid on mag- 
nesite, the silicious hydrate of magnesium. It is usually met 
with in small acicular crystals, which are colourless, transpa- 
rent, and odourless, but have an extremely bitter taste. They 
effloresce on exposure to the air, are very soluble in water, and 
insoluble in alcohol. The chemical composition of the salt is 
one equivalent of acid, one of magnesia, and seven of water of 
crystallization (MgS0 4 7H 2 0). 

Effects and Uses. — Epsom Salt is a mild, safe, refrigerant 
purgative, which, from its cheapness, is by far the most com- 
monly employed of all cathartics. It is sometimes combined 
with senna, sometimes with the bitter infusions, and is most 
agreeably administered in solution in carbonic acid water. 
Dose, oj. 

LIQUOR MAGNESII CITRATIS — SOLUTION OF 
CITRATE OF MAGNESIUM. 

The citrate of magnesium is employed medicinally, only in 
solution, with a slight excess of acid, and in the effervescing 
state. It is prepared according to the following formula : 400 
grains of citric acid are dissolved in 4 fluidounces of water, and 



256 MATERIA MEDICA. 

in this solution 200 grains of carbonate of magnesium are 
stirred until dissolved ; this solution is filtered into a strong 
twelve-ounce bottle, containing 2 fluidounces of syrup of citric 
acid ; to this are added 40 grains of bicarbonate of potassium, 
and water enough nearly to fill the bottle, which must be closed 
with a cork, secured with twine ; the mixture must be occa- 
sionally shaken, to insure the solution of the bicarbonate. The 
effervescing solution has a pleasant acid taste, without any- 
thing disagreeable. It is a very grateful cathartic, and is much 
employed as a substitute for Epsom salt. Dose from a half to 
a whole bottle. 



SODII SULPHAS — SULPHATE OF SODIUM. 

Sulphate of sodium, commonly called G-laubers Salt, is a 
constituent of many mineral springs, and is prepared in various 
chemical processes. It occurs as a residuum in the manufac- 
ture of muriatic acid, made by adding sulphuric acid to chloride 
of sodium ; and it is obtained from sea-water in the winter 
season. It is found in colourless, six-sided, very efflorescent 
crystals, which are inodorous, but have a cooling, saline, very 
bitter taste. It is soluble in water, more readily in hot than 
in cold water, and is insoluble in alcohol. Its chemical compo- 
sition is one equivalent of soda, one of acid, and ten of water 
(Na 2 SO 4 ,10H 2 O). 

Its effects and uses are very similar to those of Epsom salt, 
but it is more bitter and nauseous, and is now little used. It 
has an anaplastic action on the blood. Dose, 5J ; in an efflo- 
resced state, Sss. 



MANGANESII SULPHAS — SULPHATE OF MANGANESE. 

This salt is made by heating the native black oxide with 
concentrated sulphuric acid, and consists of one equivalent of 
sulphuric acid and one of protoxide of manganese (MnS0 4 ,5H 2 0). 
It occurs in rhombic, prismatic crystals, of a pale-rose or pink 



SULPHATE OF POTASSIUM. 257 

colour, transparent, and of an astringent, bitterish taste. It is 
very soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol. 

In its effects it is said to resemble Grlaubers Salt, acting also 
as a cholagogue. Dose, as a purgative, 5i-ij- As a tonic, it 
has been given in doses of gr. v-xx. 

SODII PHOSPHAS PHOSPHATE OF SODIUM. 

This salt is prepared by digesting powdered burnt bone with 
diluted sulphuric acid, and decomposing the resulting super- 
phosphate of calcium with carbonate of sodium. It occurs in 
large, rhombic, colourless, transparent, very efflorescent crys- 
tals (Na 2 HP0 4 ,12H 2 0), which are wholly soluble in water, and 
insoluble in alcohol, and have a pleasant saline taste, resem- 
bling that of common salt. 

Effects and Uses. — Phosphate of sodium is a mild saline 
cathartic, well adapted, from its agreeable taste, to the cases 
of children and delicate persons, but too expensive for general 
use. It is a constituent of the blood in health, and has been 
recommended in cholera as a restorative of deficient saline 
matters, and also in diseases where there is a deficiency of 
phosphatic matter in the bones. Dose, as a cathartic, 5vj to 
5xij, in broth or soup ; as an alterative, 3j or 3ij, three or 
four times a day. 

POTASSII SULPHAS — SULPHATE OF POTASSIUM. 

This salt exists in both kingdoms of nature, and is obtained 
artificially from the residuum of the distillation of nitric acid 
from nitrate of potassium and sulphuric acid. It occurs in 
small, hard, colourless, inodorous crystals (K 2 S0 4 ), of a saline, 
bitter taste, which have no water of crystallization, and are 
unalterable in the air. They are moderately soluble in water, 
and are insoluble in alcohol. 

Effects and Uses. — In small doses, it is considered a mild 
and safe cathartic ; but, in large doses, it has proved a violent 
and even fatal poison, producing symptoms of cholera. It is 
though' to act as a lactifuge, or represser of milk, and is 

17 



258 MATERIA MEDICA. 

administered with this view in France. Dose, as a cathartic, 
gr. xv to 5j, or 5ij ; but it is little employed in this country. 
From its hardness and dryness, it is useful to promote the 
trituration and division of powders, and for this purpose is 
employed in making Dover's powder. 

POTASSII BITARTRAS — BIT ART RATE OF POTASSIUM. 

This salt, well known as Qream of Tartar, and termed also 
the acid tartrate of potassium, exists in many vegetable juices, 
particularly the juice of grapes, from which it is obtained. It 
is deposited in an impure form, during fermentation, on the 
sides of wine-casks, and in this state occurs in crystalline 
cakes, of a reddish colour, known as argol or crude tartar. 
This is purified by solution and crystallization, and forms a 
white crystalline mass or powder, termed cream of tartar 
(KHC 4 H 4 6 ). It is without smell, has an acidulous and gritty 
taste, is very slightly soluble in water, and insoluble in alcohol ; 
when heated in a close vessel, it is converted into black flux, a 
compound of charcoal and carbonate of potassium. 

Effects and Uses. — In small doses, it is diuretic and refrige- 
rant ; in larger doses, cathartic ; and, in excessive doses, it will 
produce gastro-intestinal inflammation. It is employed to form 
a refrigerant drink, and as a gentle aperient, in fevers ; and 
as a diuretic and hydragogue cathartic in dropsies. Dose, as 
an a.perient, 5j or 5\j ; as a cathartic, §ss to oj ', as a diuretic, 
3j to 5j, in repeated doses. It enters into the compound 
powder of jalap. 

POTASSII TARTRAS — TARTRATE OF POTASSIUM. 

This salt, formerly called Soluble Tartar, is obtained by 
saturating the excess of acid in cream of tartar with carbonate 
of potassium. It occurs in white deliquescent crystals or grains 
(K 2 C 4 H 4 6 ), of a saline, somewhat bitter taste, and is very 
soluble in water. It consists of two equivalents of potassa and 
one of acid. It is a gentle cathartic and diuretic, at present 
not much used. Dose, 5ss to Sj. 



RHUBARB. 259 

POTASSII ET SODII TARTRAS TARTRATE OF POTAS- 
SIUM AND SODIUM. 

This salt, commonly called Rochelle Salt, is made by satu- 
rating the excess of acid in cream of tartar with carbonate of 
sodium. It occurs in large, transparent, colourless, prismatic, 
slightly efflorescent crystals, of a mildly saline and bitter taste, 
readily soluble in cold water, and still more so in hot water 
(KNaC 4 H 4 6 ,4H 2 0). It is a mild and pleasant aperient, well 
adapted to gouty cases, and cases of uric acid lithiasis, but it 
renders the urine alkaline, and should not therefore be given 
to persons suffering with phosphatic deposits in the urine. 
Dose, Sss to oj. It is usually exhibited in the form of Pulve- 
res Effervescentes Aperientes {Aperient Effervescing Powders), 
or Seidlitz Powders, which consist of Rochelle salt (5ij) and 
bicarbonate of sodium (3ij), in a blue paper, and tartaric acid 
(gr. xxxv.), in a white paper. They are taken, dissolved in 
half a pint of water, while the liquid is in a state of efferves- 
cence, and form a very agreeable, mild aperient. They should 
not be kept in a damp place. 

MILD ACRID CATHARTICS. 
R H E U M — R H U B A R B. 

Rhubarb is the root of Rheum palmatum, and of other 
species of Rheum (Nat. Ord. Polygon acese). It is not known 
with certainty what species yields the officinal rhubarb, but it 
is attributed by the Pharmacopoeia chiefly to R. palmatum, a 
perennial plant, with large, roundish, cordate, half-palmate 
leaves, growing spontaneously in Chinese Tartary and Mon- 
golia, and cultivated in Europe and this country, together with 
several other varieties, for the leaf-stalks, which make excellent 
tarts. More recently, the variety, from which the Asiatic rhu- 
barb is derived, is said to be Rh. officinale, and, instead of 
the root, the drug appears to be the ascending axis of the 
plant. Rhubarb is prepared for the market by being cleansed, 



260 MATERIA MEDICA. 

deprived of its cortical portion, cut into pieces, pierced through 
the centre, strung upon a cord, and dried in the sun. Three 
principal sorts were long known : Chinese, Russian or Turkey, 
and European. The first two were obtained, by different routes, 
from Central Asia. 1. Chinese rhubarb is the common variety, 
and is imported principally from Canton ; it is probably de- 
rived from Rh. officinale. It occurs in roundish pieces, some- 
times flattened, of a dirty brownish-yellow colour externally 
(the cortical portion apparently scraped off), having a ragged 
fracture (which presents red, yellowish, and white veins), and 
is often perforated with holes, with portions of the cord on 
which it was dried occasionally remaining. It has a peculiar 
odour, an astringent, somewhat bitter taste, is gritty when 
chewed, and tinges the saliva of a yellow colour ; its powder is 
yellowish, with a reddish-brown tinge. 2. Russian rhubarb had 
probably the same source as the Chinese, but it was selected 
with greater care, and was rigorously inspected by the Russian 
o-overnment. It was carried in caravans through Russia to St. 
Petersburg, whence it was exported. The pieces are irregular 
in shape, and are often angular, from the cortical portion hav- 
ing been cut off and not scraped. They are less heavy and com- 
pact than the Chinese, of a livelier colour both externally and 
internally, and are perforated with larger holes, which have 
been made for the purpose of inspection. The taste and smell 
are very like those of the Chinese, but are more aromatic ; the 
powder is bright yellow. Russian rhubarb has, however, within 
a few years past disappeared as an article of commerce;, the 
Russian government having abandoned the inspection long 
practised on the frontiers of Bucharia, whence the supply was 
derived. 3. European rhubarb is of uncertain quality, and is 
seldom found in the shops. The kind most frequently met 
with is English rhubarb, which is thought to be derived from 
Rh. Rhaponticum, and generally comes in pieces five or six 
inches long, and about an inch thick, and is called stick rhu- 
barb. It is lighter, more spongy, and redder than the Asiatic 
varieties, with a feebler odour and less bitter taste, and when 
broken exhibits a more compact and regular marbling ; lately, 



RHUBARB. 261 

the production of English rhubarb has much increased, and its 
quality has improved. 

Rhubarb imparts its virtues to both water and alcohol, but 
they are impaired by long boiling. Its most important chemi- 
cal constituents are — chrysophanic acid, a yellow, odourless, 
tasteless, granular substance ; two, or perhaps three resins, 
soluble in alcohol, and insoluble in water ; and bitter extractive. 
It is supposed that the therapeutical properties of the drug 
depend chiefly on the conjoint operation of these principles. 
It contains also tannic and gallic acids, sugar, pectin, oxalate 
of calcium, &c. 

Effects and Uses. — In small doses, rhubarb is an astringent 
tonic. In larger doses, it is a slow and mild cathartic, occa- 
sionally causing griping and accelerating the pulse, but never 
inflaming the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal like 
the drastics; it tinges the milk and urine yellow. It is much 
employed os a purgative in diarrhoea, in which it is particularly 
useful from its secondary astringent effect, and in dyspepsia, 
attended with costiveness, where it acts both as a stomachic 
and laxative. It is not adapted to febrile or inflammatory 
cases. In the bowel-complaints of children, rhubarb deservedly 
enjoys great popularity, and it is also highly esteemed in infan- 
tile scrofula. Made into a cataplasm, and applied to the abdo- 
men, it acts as a purgative on children. 

Administration. — Dose, as a stomachic laxative, gr. v to gr. 
x ; as a purgative, 3j to 5j- The following are the officinal 
preparations : Infusion (5jj to boiling water Oss), dose, f§j to 
f§ij, repeated; Extract (alcoholic), dose, gr. x to gr. xxx ; 
Fluid Extract, dose, f5ss, containing half a drachm of rhubarb ; 
Tincture (§iij to diluted alcohol Oij, with cardamom §ss) ; Tinc- 
ture of Rhubarb and Senna (containing rhubarb a troy ounce, 
senna 120 grains, coriander and fennel each 60 grains, liquo- 
rice 30 grains, raisins 6 troy ounces, to diluted alcohol Oiij, and 
popularly known as Warner s Gout Cordial) ; Tincture of 
Rhubarb and Aloes and Tincture of Rhubarb and Grentian are 
no longer officinal; the dose of all the tinctures is f§ss to f§j, 
and they are chiefly adapted to low forms of disease and per- 



262 MATERIA MEDICA. 

sons accustomed to the use of stimulants; Pills of Rhubarb 
(rhubarb 72 grains, beaten with water into a pilular mass with 
soap 24 grains, and divided into 24 pills) ; Compound Pills 
of Rhubarb (rhubarb 48 grains, aloes 36 grains, myrrh 24 
grains, oil of peppermint 3 minims, beaten with water into a 
pilular mass, and divided into 24 pills) ; Compound Powder of 
Rhubarb (containing 2 parts of rhubarb, 6 parts of magnesia, 
and 1 part of ginger); Syrup (fluid extract 3 fluidounces mixed 
with syrup 29 fluidounces) ; Aromatic Syrup (rhubarb two troy- 
ounces and a half, cloves and cinnamon each half a troyounce, 
nutmeg 120 grains, percolated with diluted alcohol till a pint 
of tincture is obtained, and this mixed with six pints of syrup — 
much used in infantile cases under the name of Spiced Syrup 
of Rhubarb), dose for an infant f5i ; and wine (rhubarb two 
troyounces, canella 60 grains, Sherry wine 14 fluidounces, and 
diluted alcohol enough to make a pint — dose f5i-f§ss). Roast- 
ing impairs the cathartic power of rhubarb, and is said to in- 
crease its astringency. 

Juglans (Butternut). The inner bark of the root of 
Juglans cinerea, or Butternut [Nat. Ord. Juglandaceae), an 
indigenous forest tree, found throughout New England, the 
Middle and Western States, and Canada, possesses cathartic 
properties resembling those of rhubarb. It is of a fibrous 
texture, a white colour, gradually changing to dark brown, a 
feeble odour, but a bitter, somewhat acrid taste. It contains 
some tannic acid, fixed and volatile oils, resin, and a peculiar 
volatile acid. It is not given in substance ; a decoction may 
be used, but the best preparation is the extract (watery), which 
is officinal, of which the dose is gr. v-x, as a laxative, and gr. 
x-xxx, as a decided cathartic. 

ALOE — ALOES. 

Aloes is the inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe 
spicata, Aloe Socotrina, Aloe vulgaris, and other species of 
Aloe [Nat. Ord. Liliacese), succulent, herbaceous plants, grow- 
ing in warm countries. The finest kinds are obtained by 



ALOES. 263 

exudation : those prepared by expression and by boiling are 
inferior. Three principal varieties are known in commerce: 
Cape, Socotrine, and Barbadoes aloes, the first two of which 
are the most used in the United States. 1. Cape aloes [aloe 
Capensis), which is much the most common, is obtained from 
the Cape of Good Hope, where it is collected indiscriminately 
from A. spicata and other species. It has a shining, resinous 
appearance, is of a deep-brown colour, with a greenish tint, 
translucent at its edges, and has a glossy or resinous fracture. 
Its powder is greenish-yellow ; its odour is strong and disa- 
greeable, but not nauseous. 2. Socotrine aloes {aloe Socotrina), 
when genuine, is the choicest variety. It is produced in the 
island of Socotra, and on the eastern coast of Africa, from A. 
Socotrina, and occurs in pieces of a yellowish or reddish-brown 
colour, becoming darker on exposure to the air, with a smooth 
and conchoidal fracture, the interior being lighter-coloured than 
the exterior. Its powder is golden-yellow; its odour peculiar, 
but not unpleasant, and its taste bitter and disagreeable, but 
aromatic. Socotrine aloes should always be preferred, and is 
the variety directed by the Pharmacopoeia in all preparations 
into which aloes enters. Hepatic aloes is probably an inferior 
variety of Socotrine, and is seldom met with in our shops. It 
is of a reddish-brown colour, but darker and less glossy than 
the Socotrine. 3. Barbadoes aloes (aloe Barbadensis), comes 
from the West Indies, the product chiefly of A. vulgaris ; it is 
imported in gourds. Its colour is not uniform, varying from 
a dark-brown or black to a liver colour. It has a dull frac- 
ture ; makes an olive-yellow powder ; and is distinguishable by 
its particularly disagreeable, nauseous odour. The taste of all 
the varieties of aloes is intensely bitter and very tenacious. 

Aloes yields its virtues to water and alcohol. A proximate 
neutral, crystalline principle, termed aloin, has been extracted 
from it, which is supposed to be the cathartic principle ; the 
resin of aloes, when exhausted by aloin, possesses no purgative 
properties. 

Effects and Uses. — Aloes, in small doses, is tonic, and, in 
large doses, purgative. As a cathartic, it is remarkable for the 



264 MATERIA MEDICA. 

slowness of its operation, and its special action on the large in- 
testine and the pelvic viscera generally. Hence, it is objec- 
tionable in cases of disease of the genito-urinary apparatus, 
pregnancy, &c. ; and, on the other hand, is useful in amenor- 
rhcea. It stimulates the hepatic secretion also. It is principally 
employed in cases of dyspepsia, accompanied by costiveness, 
dependent on a torpid condition of the large intestine or liver. 
It is also useful as a revulsive in cerebral affections, and has 
proved efficacious as an anthelmintic. It was once thought 
that it was objectionable in hemorrhoids, but, this affection 
being now considered to depend upon relaxation of the veins 
of the rectum, aloes has been administered in it, upon theo- 
retical views, and with very good results. As a purgative, it 
holds an intermediate rank between rhubarb and senna. 

Administration. — Dose, gr. v to gr. x-xx, in pill ; it is usu- 
ally given in combination with other cathartics. Aloes is so 
often mixed with impurities, that, for medicinal use, it is best 
employed under the form of aloe p>urificata {purified aloes), 
which is prepared by straining and evaporating an alcoholic 
solution of Socotrine Aloes. The officinal preparations are : 
Pills of Aloes, consisting of equal parts of aloes and soap, one 
pill containing two grains of aloes ; Pills of Aloes and Mastic, 
four parts of aloes to one part of mastic and red rose, each, (the 
Lady Webster pill, each containing two grains of aloes); Pills 
of Aloes and Asafetida, consisting of 32 grains each of aloes, 
asafetida, and soap, divided into 24 pills, useful in flatulent 
constipation ; Pills of Aloes and Myrrh, or Pufuss Pills, 
aloes four parts, myrrh two parts, and aromatic powder one 
part, made into pills with syrup, employed in amenorrhoea, each 
pill containing. 2 grains of aloes ; Powder of Aloes and Canella, 
known as hiera picra, four parts of aloes to one of canella ; 
Tincture (a troyounce to alcohol Oss, distilled water Ojss, with 
liquorice three troyounces), dose f Sss to f Sjss ; Tincture of 
Aloes and Myrrh (aloes and myrrh each three troyounces to 
two pints of alcohol) ; Wine of Aloes (aloes a troyounce, carda- 
mom and ginger each 60 grains, to a pint of Sherry wine); 
Suppositories of Aloes contain each two grains of aloes — they 
may be used with a view to the removal of ascarides. 



SENNA. 265 



LEPTANDRA. 



The root of Leptanclra Virginica, Culver's Root, or Culver's 
Physic (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacese), an herbaceous, perennial 
plant, three or four feet high, with leaves in whorls, and a long 
spike of white flowers, is now ranked as a valuable cholagogue 
cathartic. It consists of a dark-brown rhizome, from two to 
four lines in thickness, several inches in length, with numerous 
long slender radicals. The odour is feeble and disagreeable, 
the taste bitterish, and somewhat nauseous and acrid. Water 
and alcohol extract its virtues, which depend on a peculiar prin- 
ciple termed leptandrin. Dose of the powdered root, gr. xx to 
5j ; of an impure resin (made by precipitating a tincture of the 
root with water), gr. ij-iv ; a fluid extract also has been used. 

S ENNA. 

Senna consists of the leaflets of several species of Cassia 
(Nat. Ord. Fabacese), small .shrubs, which grow in the tropical 
regions of Asia and Africa. The species recognized as offici- 
nal are C. acutifolia, C. obovata, and C. elongata; and besides 
these, C. lanceolata, and C. iEthiopica, are also generally 
received as sources of the drug. The commercial varieties of 
senna, w r hich are found in the United States, are the Alexan- 
dria, the Tripoli, the India, and the Mecca senna. 1. Alexan- 
dria senna, which comes from the port of this name in Egypt, 
is made up chiefly of the leaflets of C. acutifolia (which are 
yellowish-green, acute in shape, and less than an inch in length), 
intermingled with the pods, leafstalks, flowers, &c, of this 
plant. It contains also leaflets of C. obovata, known by their 
rounded, obtuse summits ; and is, moreover, occasionally adul- 
terated with the leaves of Cynanchum oleaefolium, distinguish- 
able by their greater length, thickness, and firmness from the 
genuine leaves. 2. Tripoli senna, brought from Tripoli, con- 
sists of the leaflets of C iEthiopica, which are shorter, less 
acute, thinner, and more fragile than those of C. acutifolia, 
and are generally much broken up. 3. India senna is pro- 
duced in Arabia, but comes into commerce through the ports of 



ZOO MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hindostan. It consists of the leaflets, intermixed with the 
leafstalks and pods, of C. elongata, and is readily recognized 
by the long, narrow, pike-like shape and dark hue of the leaf- 
lets. A finer variety of India senna, cultivated at Tinnevelly, 
in Hindostan, has been known for some years past, which is 
distinguishable from the common sort of India senna, by the 
bright-green colour of the leaflets. 4. Mecca senna is a variety 
lately introduced, and consists of leaflets, intermediate in length 
between those of C. acutifolia and C. elongata, and has in mass 
a yellowish, tawny hue. Its source is not known with cer- 
tainty, but it is probably the product of C. lanceolata. Cassia 
obovata has been lately found growing wild in abundance in 
Jamaica. 

Commercial senna is prepared for use by separating the 
leaflets from the stalks, adulterations, &c. ; the pods possess 
cathartic properties, but are less active than the leaves. The 
odour of senna is faint and sickly ; its taste, bitter, sweetish, 
and nauseous. It imparts its virtues to water and alcohol, its 
infusion being of a reddish-brown colour. The chemical com- 
position of senna has long been an unsettled point. By the 
latest analysis it has been found to contain a glucoside, cathar- 
tic acid (C 180 H 192 N 4 SO 82 ), which is insoluble in water, stronger 
alcohol, and ether, but which enters readily into watery solution 
with alkaline and earthy bases, in which state it exists in 
senna; this is actively cathartic. Catharto-mannite, senne- 
picrin, and a reddish-brown compound, soluble in ether, re- 
sembling chrysophanic acid, have been also obtained ; and 
there is probably another purgative principle, which has not 
been isolated. 

Effects and Uses. — Senna is a prompt, efficient, and safe 
cathartic, well adapted to febrile and inflammatory cases; it 
operates on the entire track of the intestinal canal, and pro- 
duces watery, feculent discharges. Its tendency to gripe may 
in a great measure be counteracted by combining aromatics or 
neutral salts with it ; the addition of bitters promotes its 
cathartic activity. 

Administration. — The dose in powder is 5ss to 5ij ; but it is 
usually given in infusion (a troyounce to boiling water Oj with 



AMERICAN SENNA. 



267 



coriander 5j)? one-third for a dose, repeated. Confectio sennce 
(made with senna, coriander, sugar, figs, and pulps of prunes, 
tamarinds, and purging cassia), is an excellent mild cathartic, 
much used for pregnant women ; dose, 5ij- Of the fluid ex- 
tract the dose is f3i to foss ; a fluid extract of spigelia and 
senna is used as an anthelmintic. 

CASSIA MARILANDICA — AMERICAN SENNA. 



Fig. 27. 




Cassia Marilandica, American Senna, or Wild Senna (Nat. 
Ord. Fabacese), possesses cathartic properties similar to those 



268 MATERIA MEDICA. 

of imported senna, but is less active. It is an indigenous plant, 
common in the Southern and Western States, growing to the 
height of three or four feet, with alternate leaves, composed of 
from eight to ten pairs of oblong, lanceolate, pale-green leaf- 
lets, and bearing handsome golden-yellow flowers and a pendu- 
lous fruit, two to four inches long. An infusion of the leaf- 
lets is given in closes one-third larger than those of senna. 

SAMBUCUS — ELDER. 

Several portions of Sambucus Canadensis, our indigenous 
common elder {Nat. Ord. Caprifoliaceas), a well-known shrub, 
from six to ten feet high, found in all the Atlantic States, pos- 
sess medicinal properties. The flowers, which are officinal, are 
employed internally as a diaphoretic ; externally as a discu- 
tient. The inner bark, which is without smell, and has a 
taste at first sweetish, afterwards slightly bitter, acrid, and 
nauseous, and contains a resin, with valerianic acid, and other 
principles, is a hydragogue cathartic, and in large doses emetic. 
It is deemed a valuable remedy in dropsy, particularly in 
dropsy dependent on albuminuria, in which affection specific 
alterative virtues are attributed to it. It is given in decoction 
(an ounce boiled with two pints of water to a pint); dose, f§iv. 
An infusion in cider is popularly employed. 

DRASTIC CATHARTICS. 
JALAPA JALAP. 

Jalap is the tuber of Ipomaea Jalapa or Exogonium purga, 
(Nat. Ord. Convolvulaceae), a climbing plant of Mexico, which 
derives its name from the city of Jalapa, near Vera Cruz. 
The tubers are imported usually entire, but sometimes in slices. 
When entire, they vary in size and shape from a walnut to a 
large pear, are hard and heavy — externally, brown and wrinkled, 
and internally, grayish, with brown, concentric rings ; they are 
often furrowed with vertical incisions, made to promote drying. 



MAY-APPLE. 269 

They have a heavy, rather nauseous smell, and a sweetish, sub- 
acrid, disagreeable taste. They yield their virtues partly to 
water, partly to alcohol, and completely to diluted alcohol. In 
the shops, jalap is kept in the state of powder, which is of a 
yellowish-gray colour. Its active principle is a peculiar resin, 
which consists of two portions, both of which are cathartic, one 
soft and soluble in ether, the other, which has been termed 
rhodewetin, insoluble in ether ; it contains also gum and starch, 
which is apt to be attacked by worms, the worm-eaten pieces 
becoming thus the most active. 

Effects and Uses. — Jalap is a powerful hydragogue cathar- 
tic, operating 'with great promptness, and often causing much 
pain. In overdoses, it may produce dangerous hypercatharsis. 
It is employed as a hydragogue in dropsy, when it is often com- 
bined with cream of tartar ; as a revulsive in cerebral and other 
affections, and to increase the activity of calomel in bilious 
fever. Dose, gr. xv to xxx ; in combination, gr. x. Of the 
extract, which is made with alcohol and water, and contains 
the resin and gam, the dose is one-half that of jalap. The com- 
pound powder of jalap {pulvis jalap 03 compositus), contains one 
part of jalap and two parts of cream of tartar. The resin is 
extracted by solution in alcohol, and afterwards precipitated 
from the tincture by water (16 troyounces of jalap percolated 
with alcohol to a pint and a half, then reduced to six fluid- 
ounces by distillation, and precipitated with seven pints of 
water) ; dose, from four to eight grains. The tincture (six 
troyounces to alcohol, diluted with one-half a measure of water, 
Oij), is added to cathartic mixtures. Dose, f5i-f5ss. 

PODOPHYLLUM MAY-APPLE. 

Podophyllum peltatum, May-apple or Mandrake (Nat. Ord. 
Ranunculacese), is a very common indigenous, herbaceous plant, 
with a long, creeping, perennial root, and an upright stem about 
a foot high, separating at the top into two petioles, each sup- 
porting a large peltate leaf, divided into five or six lobes. At 
the fork of the petioles, it bears a single flower, which appears 



270 



MATERIA MEDIOA. 



in May, the fruit ripening in September. The rhizome, which 
is the part used, is found in the shops in wrinkled, jointed, 
cylindrical pieces, about two lines in diameter, of a brown 
colour externally, and yellowish within. The powder is yel- 
lowish-gray, and has a sweetish smell; its taste is at first 

Fig". 28. 




sweetish, afterwards bitter, acrid, and nauseous. Diluted al- 
cohol is the best solvent of podophyllum, which has been found 
to contain, with the alkaloid berberina, two resinous cathartic 
principles, both soluble in alcohol, but one only soluble in ether, 
which is much the more active. 

Effects and Uses. — This is an active hydragogue cathartic, 
with an especial determination to the upper portion of the ali- 
mentary canal, and a pretty decided cholagogue action, which 
is, however, probably produced by duodenal irritation. It is 



SCAMMONY. 271 

an ingredient in several cathartic nostrums. Dose, in powder 
3j ; of the extract (prepared with alcohol and diluted alcohol), 
gr. v to gr. xv ; of the resin (made in the same way as the 
resin of jalap, except that the water, used to precipitate the 
resin from its alcoholic solution is previously mixed with two 
fluidrachms of muriatic acid), gr. \ to gr. j. 

SCAMMONIUM — SCAMMONY. 

Scammony is a kesinous exudation from the koot of Con- 
volvulus Scammonia (Nat. Orel. Convolvulaceae), a twining 
plant of Syria. The finest kind is the product of exudation 
from the sliced root ; hut most of the drug which reaches us is 
probably obtained by expression, or by evaporation of a decoc- 
tion of the root. It comes from the Levant. Genuine scam- 
mony, termed Virgin Scammony, occurs in light, irregular, 
friable pieces, of various shades of colour from dark-ash to 
dark-olive, covered with a whitish-gray powder, and breaking 
with a bright-greenish fracture ; they should not effervesce 
with an acid. The scammony of the shops, which is always 
more or less adulterated, is in hard, heavy, saucer-shaped 
cakes, from four to six inches in diameter (sometimes broken 
into pieces), of a dark-ash or slate colour. The powder is 
light-gray ; the smell disagreeable, like that of old cheese, the 
taste at first feeble, afterwards bitterish and acrid. Scammony 
is a gum-resin, the resin constituting from 80 to 90 per cent, 
of the weight of good scammony. The active medicinal prin- 
ciple is scammonin (C 68 H 56 32 ), a glucoside, a colourless, taste- 
less substance, having a peculiar faint, sweetish smell, and 
soluble in alcohol and ether. 

A factitious scammony, made in France, and known as 
Montpelier Scammony, is occasionally imported into the United 
States. It is blacker than the genuine article, has a feeble, 
balsamic odour, and a very bitter, nauseous taste. 

Effects and Uses. — Scammony is an energetic hydragogue 
cathartic, operating sometimes with great violence, and seldom 
given, except in combination with other cathartics. Dose, gr. 



- i -■ MATERIA MEDICA. 

v to gr. xv of the pure drug, gr. x to gr. xxx of the drug of 
the shops ; of the resin (made by digesting six troyounces of 
scainmony with successive portions of boiling alcohol until ex- 
hausted, mixing the tinctures, afterwards reducing the mixture 
to a syrupy consistence by distilling off the alcohol, and then 
precipitating with a pint of water), gr. iv to gr. viij. Scam- 
mony resin is of pleasanter smell and taste than jalap resin, 
produces less griping, and is less apt to cause vomiting. It is 
much used in the form of compound extract of colocynth. 

Helleborus (Black Hellebore). The root of Helleborus 
Niger, Black Hellebore, or Christmas Rose (Nat. Ord. Ranun- 
culacei~e), a mountainous European plant, at one time enjoyed 
much reputation as a hydragogue cathartic and emmenagogue ; 
the small fibres, or roots, are about as thick as straw, and have 
a somewhat nauseous odour, and a bitter, unpleasant, acrid taste ; 
they contain two active principles, helleborin and helleborein 
(glucosides). Black hellebore is now little used, and only as 
an emmenagogue. Dose of the powdered root, gr. x to gr. xx ; 
of the extract (alcoholic), gr. v to gr. x ; of the tincture, (four 
troyounces to diluted alcohol Oij) f5ss to f 5j- 

COLOCYNTHIS — COLOCYNTH. 

Colocynth is the fruit (deprived of its rind) of Citrullus 
Colocynthis or bitter cucumber (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae), an 
annual plant of the south of Europe and parts of Asia and 
Africa, resembling the common watermelon. The fruit has a 
thin but hard rind, but is peeled and dried for exportation, 
and comes to us from the Levant. It consists of light, whitish, 
spongy balls, about the size of a small orange, filled with 
numerous seeds. For medicinal use, the pulp only is employed, 
and the seeds, which are inactive, are rejected. The pulp has 
a feeble odour, and a nauseous, intensely bitter taste. It yields 
its virtues to both water and alcohol, and contains a peculiar 
glucoside principle termed colocynthin, resin, &c. 

Effects and Uses. — Colocynth is a violent hydragogue 



GAMBOGE. 273 

cathartic, acting sometimes very harshly even in small doses, 
and in overdoses producing dangerous, and occasionally fatal 
enteric inflammation. Its chief use is to unload the bowels in 
obstinate constipation. The dose is gr. v to gr. x. It is sel- 
dom, however, administered alone. The extract {alcoholic) is 
made by depriving 48 troyounces of colocynth of seeds, grind- 
ing, macerating in 8 pints of diluted alcohol for four days, 
expressing, percolating the residue with diluted alcohol till the 
tincture and expressed liquid measure 16 pints; the alcohol 
is then recovered, and the residue evaporated to dryness and 
powdered. This is used chiefly in the preparation of the com- 
pound extract, which is made by mixing three troyounces and 
a half of alcoholic extract, twelve troyounces of purified aloes, 
three troyounces of resin of scammony, a troyounce and a 
half of cardamom, and three troyounces of soap; this is a 
favourite prescription, but it is apt to gripe, and it is well to 
combine some aromatic with it, as a little oil of cloves or cap- 
sicum — dose, gr. v-x. 



GAMBOGIA — GAMBOGE. 

Gamboge is a gum-resin, procured from Garcinia morella, 
var. pedicellata (Nat. Oral. Guttiferse), a tree of Siam and 
Cochin-China. The juice is said to be collected, as it exudes 
from the wounded bark of the tree, in cocoa-nut shells, and is 
afterwards rolled into cylinders, or transferred to earthen jars 
to dry ; it is sometimes also received into the hollow joints of 
the bamboo. It is imported from Canton and Calcutta, and 
occurs in cylindrical rolls from one to three inches in diameter, 
of an orange colour, known as pipe gamboge, or in irregular 
masses (which are less pure), weighing two to three pounds or 
more, called cake or lump gamboge. Good gamboge is opaque, 
brittle, inodorous, nearly insipid, and breaks with a vitreous 
fracture ; its powder is bright-yellow. It is a gum-resin, form- 
ing a yellow, opaque emulsion with water, and a golden-yellow 
solution with alcohol ; it contains from 20 to 25 per cent, of 

18 



274 MATERIA MEDICA. 

gum. and from 75 to 80 per cent, of a resin termed gambogic 
acid (C, IL 3 O 4 ). 

Effects and Uses. — Gamboge is a powerful hydragogue, and 
in overdoses has proved fatal. Sometimes it vomits, and, in 
large amounts, has produced death merely from depression. 
It is employed, in olstinate constipation — in dropsies, combined 
with cream of tartar or jalap — and has been given to destroy 
taenia. Dose, gr. ij. to gr. vj. It is usually prescribed with 
other and milder cathartics, to promote and accelerate their 
action. Compound cathartic pills (pilulse catharticse compositae), 
are made by mixing 32 grains of compound extract of colo- 
cynth, 24 grains of extract of jalap and calomel each, and 6 
grains of gamboge, and with water forming a pilular mass, to 
be divided into 24 pills. Three of the pills, containing lOf 
grains of the mass, represent 4 grains of compound extract of 
colocynth, 3 of extract of jalap and calomel each, and f grain 
of gamboge. 

ELATEEIUM. 

Elaterium is a substance deposited by the juice of the fruit 
of Momordica Elaterium, Ecbalium agreste, or Squirting Cucum- 
ber (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacese), an annual vine of the south of 
Europe, now cultivated in England. The fruit has the shape 
of a small oval cucumber, and, when fully ripe, separates from 
the peduncle, and throws out its juice and seeds with consider- 
able force, through an opening in the base. Pure elaterium 
is obtained by slicing the fruit, and allowing the juice to drain 
through a sieve. The juice deposits a sediment, which dries 
in very light, thin, nearly flat, pulverulent, greenish-gray cakes, 
and is the genuine elaterium. It is almost inodorous, and has 
a bitter, acrid taste. The commercial elaterium, which is 
obtained chiefly from England, is made by expression. The 
drug is to be considered inferior when it is dark-coloured, much 
curled, and hard. Elaterium yields its virtues to alcohol and 
not to water. Its active principle is called elaterin, which 
crystallizes in beautiful, colourless, needle shaped crystals, 



CROTON OIL. 275 

without smell, but of a bitter, sharp taste, insoluble in water, 
but readily soluble in alcohol (C 20 H 28 O 5 ) ; it proves powerfully 
cathartic in doses of ■£■$ to y 1 ^ of a grain. 

Effects and Uses. — Elaterium is a hydragogue cathartic of 
great violence of operation, and in overdoses has frequently 
proved fatal. It has also a diuretic action. It is a very effi- 
cient remedy in the treatment of dropsies, and is also a useful 
revulsive in cerebral affections ; but, in administering it, con- 
siderable caution is required. Dose of the pure drug (termed 
ChitterbucF s elaterium), gr. J; of the drug of the shops, gr. j 
to gr. ij ; but it is most safely given in divided doses. 

OLEUM TIGLII — CROTON OIL. 

Croton oil is a fixed oil obtained from the seeds of Croton 
Tiglium (Nat. Orel. Euphorbiacese), a small tree of the East 
Indies. The Croton seeds resemble the Castor seeds in shape 
and size, and consist of a blackish shell, sometimes covered 
with a yellowish-brown epidermis, and enclosing a yellowish 
oily kernel. They are highly irritant and cathartic, but are 
not imported into this country. They contain a volatile oil, a 
pixed oil, resin, acetic, butyric, and valerianic acids, together 
with a peculiar acid, termed tiglic (H 2 C 5 H 7 2 ). The crotox 
oil of the shops is obtained by expression, and is a mixture of 
the fixed oil proper, the resin, and tiglic acid. A principle 
termed crotonol is said to produce the peculiar inflammation of 
the skin. The oil is made both in India and England, the 
Indian oil being of a pale straw colour, and the English red- 
dish-brown ; the latter is the variety now found in the shops. 
It has a viscid consistence, which is increased by age, a faint, 
peculiar odour, and an extremely acrid, pungent taste ; it is 
soluble in ether and the volatile and fixed oils, and partially so 
in alcohol. 

Physiological Effects. — Croton oil, taken internally, is a 
powerful hydragogue purgative, occasionally increasing also 
the secretions from the kidneys. One or two drops are usually 
sufficient to produce active catharsis, but sometimes as much as 



-<0 MATERIA MEDICA. 

eight or ten drops may be taken without affecting the bowels. 
It operates very speedily, often causing evacuations in half an 
hour, and is apt to produce considerable sedation of the vas- 
cular system. In overdoses it has frequently proved fatal, de- 
stroying life rather by its depressing influence on the functions 
of organic life through the nervous system, than by a local 
irritant action. Rubbed on the shin, croton oil causes rubefac- 
tion and a pustular or vesicular eruption ; and, rubbed over 
the abdomen, it will sometimes purge. 

Medicinal Uses. — Croton oil, from the smallness of the dose 
required, and the speediness of its action, is an extremely 
valuable purgative in obstinate constipation, and in cerebral 
disorders, particularly coma. As a counter-irritant, it is exten- 
sively employed in pulmonary and laryngeal affections, diseases 
of the joints, &c. Dose, one or two drops made into pill, with 
bread-crumb. For external use, it may be diluted with one or 
two parts of olive oil or oil of turpentine. 

MERCURIAL CATHARTICS. 

The preparations of mercury employed as cathartics are 
calomel, blue pill, and mercury with chalk. Their purgative 
effects depend partly on the increased flow of bile which they 
occasion, and partly on the stimulus which they give to secre- 
tion from the mucous follicles of the intestinal canal, and from 
the pancreas. They are rarely employed alone, owing to the 
slowness and uncertainty of their action ; but are usually com- 
bined with or followed by other cathartics (as jalap, senna, 
rhubarb, compound extract of colocynth, or some of the saline 
preparations). The mercurial cathartics are usually adminis- 
tered with a view of combining a purgative action with an effect 
on the secretions, particularly that of the liver; also, as an- 
thelmintics ; and as revulsives in cerebral and other affections. 
They are well adapted to infantile cases, from the facility of 
their administration, and are especially beneficial in the ephe- 
meral febrile attacks to which children are subject ; they, more- 
over, rarely produce salivation in children. 



ENEMATA. 277 

Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite (Mild Chloride of Mercury, 
or Calomel). (Noticed at length under the head of Alteratives.) 
Dose, as a cathartic, gr. vi to xij, in pill or in powder, with 
syrup or molasses ; to be followed, in from four to six hours, 
by some other cathartic. Sometimes, when it is exhibited with 
a view to a full action on the liver, gr. j or ij may be given 
every hour, or two until the whole purgative dose is taken : or, 
it may be administered at bedtime, with an aperient draught 
the next morning. For children, larger doses are required in 
proportion than for adults : gr. iij-vj may be given to a child 
from three to six years old. Calomel occasionally causes grip- 
ing pain in the bowels, with bilious vomiting ; this is attribu- 
table, not to any irritant qualities in the medicine, but to the 
acrid character of the bile secreted. Calomel is an ingredient 
of the Compound Cathartic Pills. 

Pilule Hydrargyri (Pills of Mercury), commonly called 
Blue Pills (see Alteratives), are analogous in their cathartic 
action to calomel, but milder. They are given in about the 
same doses, and in the same combinations, &c. 

Hydrargyrum cum Creta (Mercury with Chalk), (see 
Alteratives), combines antacid with mercurial effects. It is a 
very mild preparation — weaker than even blue pill. It is used 
as a laxative, in bowel-complaints and other affections of chil- 
dren. Dose, gr. v-xx for adults ; for children, gr. ij or iij to 
viij or x, in powder, and not in pill. 

ENEMATA. 

In cases of irritability of the stomach — or with the view of 
hastening the action of cathartics taken by the mouth — or to 
remove feculent accumulations in the lower bowels — or to re- 
lieve tympanites — or for the purpose of revulsion, cathartic 
enemata are frequently administered. 

When it is desired simply to open the bowels mechanically, 
tepid water, flaxseed tea, or other demulcent infusion, may be 
employed. The common laxative enema consists of a table- 
spoonful of common salt, molasses, and lard or olive oil, each, 



278 MATERIA MEDICA. 

in two-thirds of a pint of warm water; castor oil or Epsom 
salt may be added to increase the cathartic effect. Senna tea 
or some other cathartic infusion is often employed. To relieve 
flatulency, oil of turpentine (fSss to foj, in emulsion), or milk 
of asafetida (f§ij to f5iv), may be given. The latter is an 
excellent preparation in infantile cases. 

ORDER III. — DIAPHORETICS. 

Diaphoretics (from dcafopeo, I transpire), called also sudorifics, 
are medicines which promote transpiration from the skin. The 
action of the cutaneous exhalants may be increased by various 
means. The mere introduction of a large quantity of fluid into 
the system will produce sweating, if the system be kept warm. 
Exercise and a warm temperature, by determing a flow of 
blood to the cutaneous vessels, act in the same way. Nause- 
ants occasion diaphoresis, by relaxing the orifices of the cu- 
taneous vessels ; stimulants, by exciting them to increased 
secretion. Diaphoretics are employed therapeutically, for 
their evacuant, revulsive, and alterative effects, and to promote 
absorption. Different classes of diaphoretics are required for 
different morbid conditions. 

1. Nauseating Diaphoretics. — Most of the emetics, in nause- 
ating doses, produce a powerfully relaxing diaphoretic action, 
and are much employed, with this view, in inflammatory cases, 
when not contraindicated by the presence of gastric irritability. 
The Preparations of Antimony (see p. 220), and Ipecacu- 
anha (see p. 241), are chiefly resorted to as nauseating diapho- 
retics. Ipecacuanha is often given as a diaphoretic, in combi- 
nation with opium, in the form of Dover's Powder (see p. 60). 

2. Refrigerant Diaphoretics. — The saline and ethereal pre- 
parations classed as refrigerants (see p. 227), produce a gentle 
relaxing diaphoretic action, unattended with nausea. They 
are used to allay febrile excitement, and reduce the tempera- 
ture of the body. 

3. Stimulating Diajjhoretics. — This group includes the diffu- 
sible stimulants, aromatic substances generally, of every class, 



JABORANDI. 279 

and many narcotics, particularly opium and camphor. They 
are contraindicated in high inflammation, but are very service- 
able in rheumatic and pulmonary affections, after vascular 
excitement has been reduced, and in all diseases where the 
surface of the body is cold. Opium, in the form of Dover's 
Powder, may be employed in inflammatory cases, where other 
stimulating diaphoretics are inadmissible, and is given with 
advantage in an early stage of acute rheumatism, dysentery, 
and catarrh, unless the action of the pulse be very strong, 
when this should be previously moderated. The operation of 
the diaphoretic stimulants is promoted by the free use of warm 
diluent drinks, and warm covering to the body. 

JABORANDI. 

With this group of diaphoretics may be placed a new drug, 
recently introduced into European practice from Brazil, termed 
Jaborandi. It is believed to be derived from a species of Pilo- 
carpus, probably P. Selloanus, or, according to other authori- 
ties, P. pennatifolius [Nat. Ord. Rutacese), a shrub of some of 
the northern provinces of Brazil, growing to the height of about 
5 feet, with a long cylindrical root, about three-quarters of an 
inch in thickness, and imparipinnate leaves, about 9 inches long, 
with from 3 to 5 pairs of opposite, oblong-lanceolate, grayish- 
green leaflets, with an odd terminal one, which are dotted with 
a number of pellucid glands. There are several plants known 
in South America under the name of Jaborandi, and the variety 
brought here is from Pernambuco. The portion used consists 
of the broken leaflets and stalks, which have a characteristic 
odour (resembling a mixture of Indian hemp, matico, and cubeb), 
and a w T arm, sharp, aromatic taste. They yield a crystalline 
alkaloid, of a bitter, nauseous, astringent taste, soluble in water, 
alcohol, ether, chloroform, and dilute acids, for which the name 
pilocarpia is proposed ; they contain, besides, an acrid resin, 
tannic acid, volatile oil, and chlorophyll. 

Effects and Uses. — In the few trials made of the effects of 
Jaborandi, it has been found, in doses of about 50 grains, 



280 MATERIA MEDICA. 

rapidly to increase the circulation, and to produce a power- 
fully diaphoretic and sialagogue with some expectorant effect, 
and at the same time a fall of temperature; disturbance of the 
vision, contracted pupils, uneasiness of the head, and, after a 
time, vomiting, generally accompany these eccritic results, often 
followed by drowsiness. In much of its action, especially on 
the secretions, an antagonism is thought to exist between jabo- 
randi and belladonna. The medicinal employment of this 
article can scarcely yet be fully inferred. In rheumatism, in 
bronchitis and even asthma, and in uraemia, its marked diapho- 
retic action has led to its administration, and with success ; 
while, as a sialagogue, it has been used as a revulsive, in many 
inflammatory cases. Its remarkable diaphoretic influence seems 
to point to valuable therapeutic indications. The dose, as com- 
monly stated, is perhaps excessive ; 40 or 50 grains may be 
given, infused in boiling water. Children bear proportionally 
large doses. 

4. Alterative Diaphoretics. — Under this head are comprised 
a class of diaphoretic medicines, which produce a gradual and 
nearly insensible increase of the cutaneous secretion, and are 
supposed to promote the elimination of noxious matters from 
the blood, through the vessels of the skin. They are employed 
chiefly in chronic rheumatic and cutaneous affections, and in 
secondary syphilis. 



ALTERATIVE DIAPHORETICS. 
SARSAPARILLA. 

The name Sarsaparilla is applied to the ROOTS of Smilax 
officinalis and other species of Smilax {Nat. Ord. Smilacese), 
twining, prickly shrubs of Mexico, Guatemala, and the warm 
countries of South America. The roots consist of numerous 
wrinkled, slender pieces, of the average thickness of a writing 
quill, several feet long, springing from a common head or 
rhizome, and are frequently found in the shops with portions 
of the stems attached. Several varieties are known: 1. Ron- 



SARSAPARILLA. 281 

duras Sarsaparilla, the most common variety in the United 
States, comes in bundles two or three feet long, composed of 
several long, thin roots, folded lengthwise, of a dirty grayish 
or reddish-brown colour. 2. Jamaica Sarsaparilla, which is 
probably derived also from Central America, comes in shorter 
bundles, and is known by the red colour of the epidermis. 

3. Vera Cruz Sarsaparilla comes in large, loose bales, bound 
with cords or leather thongs, containing the roots folded on 
themselves, consisting of a head with numerous long radicals. 

4. Brazilian or Rio Negro Sarsaparilla comes in cylindrical 
bundles, each of which is closely wrapped by a flexible stem, 
with fewer rootlets than the Honduras variety ; it is distin- 
guished by the amylaceous character of its interior structure. 

5. Guatemala Sarsaparilla resembles the Brazilian. 
Sarsaparilla roots are several feet in length, about the 

thickness of a goose-quill, cylindrical, more or less wrinkled 
longitudinally, and consist of a whitish-brown or pink cortical 
portion, covered with a thin gray, brown, or red epidermis, and 
inclosing a layer of whitish ligneous fibre, and a central pith. 
The cortical portion is more active than the interior portion ; 
the central medulla contains a good deal of starch. Sarsapa- 
rilla, in the dried state, is nearly inodorous, but its decoction 
has a strong smell. It has a mucilaginous, slightly bitter taste, 
and, when chewed for some time, produces a persistent acrid 
impression on the mouth ; this acridity of taste is the criterion 
of good sarsaparilla. Water and diluted alcohol extract its 
virtues. It contains an active principle, called smilacin or 
sarsaparillin, starch, mucilage, resin, extractive, &c. The Vera 
Cruz and Jamaica varieties contain the most smilacin, and are 
therefore the best for medicinal purposes. 

Effects and Uses. — The physiological effects of sarsaparilla, 
beyond a slight diaphoretic action, are not very obvious ; in 
large doses, it occasionally produces nausea and vomiting. Its 
efficacy, however, in eradicating various morbid symptoms is 
well established, and its mode of action, though obscure, is 
generally attributed to a purifying influence on the blood, 
through the function of the skin. It is employed in secondary 



282 MATERIA MED1CA. 

syphilis, particularly where the disease resists or is aggravated 
by the use of mercury ; also in chronic rheumatism, skin dis- 
eases, and cachetic conditions of the system generally. 

Administration.— Dose, of the powder, oss, three or four 
times a da}- — not much used, however, in this form. The 
compound decoction is made by boiling six troy ounces of sar- 
saparilla, a troyounce of bark of sassafras root, guaiacum wood, 
and liquorice root, each, and 180 grains of mezereon, in 4 pints 
of water for 15 minutes, then digesting for 2 hours at 200°, 
and, after straining, adding water enough to make the de- 
coction measure 4 pints — dose, f§iv-vi, three times a day. 
The compound syrup (which contains also guaiacum wood, pale 
rose, senna, liquorice root, and the oils of sassafras, anise, 
and gaultheria), is a favourite preparation ; corrosive sublimate 
should not be given with it, as it is decomposed into calomel. 
Dose, f oss, three times a day. Of the fluid extract, the dose 
is f 5ss. The compound fluid extract contains the ingredients 
of the compound decoction, except the guaiacum — dose, f5j\ 
three or four times a day. 

ARAL I A NTJDICAULIS— FALSE SARSAPARILLA. 

The ROOT of Aralia Nudicaulis, False Sarsaparilla, or Small 
Spikenard {Nat. Ord. Araliacese), a small, indigenous, peren- 
nial plant, possesses alterative diaphoretic properties similar to 
those of sarsaparilla, and is employed as a substitute for it, in 
the same manner and doses. 

The root of A. racemosa or American Spikenard, and the 
bark of A. spinosa, or Angelica-tree, are also employed as 
alterative diaphoretics. 

GUAIACI LIGNUM — GUAIACUM WOOD. 
GUAIACI RESINA — GUAIAC. 

Guaiacum Wood, or Lignum Vitce, and Guaiac, are products 
of Guaiacum officinale (Nat. Ord. Zygophyllacese), a large 



GUAIAC. 283 

evergreen tree of South America and the "West Indies. The 
wood, which is remarkable for its hardness and density, is im- 
ported in logs or billets, covered with a thick gray bark ; the 
outer portion or sapwood is of a pale yellow colour, the inner, 
of an olive-brown. The heart-wood is the officinal portion : it 
is usually kept in the shops in the state of shavings or raspings ; 
they are inodorous unless heated, and, when chewed for some 
time, they have a bitterish, pungent taste. Guaiacum wood 
yields its virtues to alcohol, and partially to water ; they depend 
on the guaiac contained in the wood. 

Guaiac is a peculiar resin, obtained from Guaiacum officinale, 
by spontaneous exudation, by incision, by dry-heat, or by de- 
coction of the comminuted wood. It comes in large, irregular, 
semi-transparent, brittle pieces, of varying size — externally, 
of a deep green or olive colour, and, internally, red. It has a 
slight balsamic odour, which is rendered stronger by heat, and, 
though at first nearly tasteless, leaves a hot, acrid sensation in 
the mouth and throat. Water dissolves it partially, alcohol 
completely. It is probably a mixture of several substances, 
among which are guaiaretinic acid (C 20 H 26 O 4 ), and guaiacin, a 
glucoside ; most oxidizing agents, as nitric and chromic acids, 
&c, produce a blue, then green, and finally a brown colour 
with tincture of guaiacum. 

Effects and Uses. — Guaiacum wood and guaiac are stimu- 
lant diaphoretics, and in large doses cathartic. They are 
principally used for their alterative virtues in chronic rheu- 
matism, secondary syphilis, and skin diseases ; guaiac has been 
used as a laxative. They are considered also to possess em- 
menagogue properties, and are employed in amenorrhoea and 
and dysmenorrhoea. 

Administration. — Gruaiacum wood is used only as an ingre- 
dient in the compound decoction and syrup of sarsaparilla. 
Dose of guaiac, gr. x to gr. xxx, in pill or emulsion, some- 
times combined with alkalies. The tincture (six troyounces to 
alcohol Oij), and ammoniated tincture (six troyounces to ar. 
sp. of ammonia Oij), are much used in chronic rheumatism; the 
former is given also in amenorrhoea ; dose, f5j, three or four 



284 MATERIA MEDICA. 

times a day. They are decomposed by water, and should be 
administered in mucilage, syrup, or milk. 



MEZEREU M — M EZEREON. 

Mezereon is the bark of Daphne Mezereum and Daphne 
Gnidium (Nat. Ord. Thymelacese), European shrubs, which 
grow to the height of four or five feet. The root-bark is the 
part employed in Great Britain, but the bark of our shops, 
which is brought from Germany, is the stem-bark. It comes 
in strips, from two to four feet long, and an inch or less in 
breadth, folded in bundles, or wrapped in the shape of balls. 
It has a thin, grayish, or reddish-brown, wrinkled epidermis, 
and a tough, pliable, whitish inner bark. When fresh, it has 
a faint, nauseous smell, but, when dry, it is nearly inodorous. 
Its taste is at first sweetish, afterwards highly acrid. It yields 
its virtue to water and alcohol, and contains a peculiar crys- 
talline principle called daphnin, and a resin, to which it owes 
its acridity. 

Effects and Uses. — The topical action of mezereon is irritant 
and vesicant. When swallowed in large quantities, it is highly 
acrid; in medicinal doses, it promotes the action of the secreting 
and exhaling organs, particularly the skin and kidneys. It is 
chiefly employed in conjunction with sarsaparilla (in the com- 
pound decoction, &c), as an alterative diaphoretic, in rheu- 
matic, syphilitic, and cutaneous affections. As a masticatory, 
it has been chewed for the relief of paralysis of the muscles of 
deglutition. The fluid extract is the only preparation for in- 
ternal administration ; dose, 10 minims ; the ointment (made 
by mixing 4 fluidounces of fluid extract with 14 troyounces 
of lard, and 2 troyounces of yellow wax, previously melted 
together), is used as a stimulating application to blistered sur- 
faces and indolent ulcers. 



DIURETICS. 285 



SASSAFRAS. 

This is the bark of the root of Sassafras officinale (Nat. 
Ord. Lauraceae), an indigenous tree of middling size. The 
bark is found in the shops in small irregular pieces, of a cinna- 
mon colour, sometimes invested with a brownish epidermis. It 
has a highly fragrant odour, and a sweetish aromatic taste. 
Its virtues are extracted by water and alcohol, and it contains 
a little tannic acid, and a volatile oil (oleum sassafras). The 
oil is said to act as a physiological antidote against tobacco. 

Effects and Uses. — Sassafras bark is a mild stimulant alter- 
ative diaphoretic, used chiefly in combination with sarsaparilla. 
Its principal virtues are probably aromatic. Dose of the oil, 
two to ten drops. (For Sassafras Pith, see Demulcents.) 



STILLINGIA. 

The root of Stillingia sylvatica (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae), 
commonly called Queen s Delight, a perennial plant, growing 
to the height of two feet in our south Atlantic States, is 
highly esteemed by Southern physicians, as an alterative dia- 
phoretic in secondary syphilis, scrofula, cutaneous affections, 
and chronic rheumatism. Dose of the powder 15 to 30 grains ; 
the fluid extract is officinal, and may be given in the dose of 
foss ; a decoction and tincture are extemporaneously prepared. 



ORDER IV. DIURETICS. 

Diuretics (from Sia, thoroughly, and ovpeu, I make water), are 
medicines which excite the secretion of urine. The flow of 
urine may be promoted indirectly, by increasing the quantity 
of fluid taken into the stomach, or by the removal of causes 
which check its secretion, or by mental emotion, a cool tem- 
perature, &c. It is promoted directly by the use of medicinal 
agents which specifically affect the kidneys ; they are termed 
diuretics. A large proportion of diuretic medicines are found 



286 MATERIA MEDICA. 

among the agents which influence other secretions, particularly 
diaphoretics. The functions of transpiration and urination are 
to some extent vicarious, and the same articles will prove dia- 
phoretic or diuretic, as their action may be directed to the skin 
or kidneys. External warmth and warm drinks determine the 
action of such medicines to the skin ; and, on the other hand, 
if the skin he kept cool, and cool diluents freely administered, 
the secretion from the kidneys is promoted. 

Blennorrhetics, or medicines which have a special action on 
the mucous membranes, exert also a diuretic influence — pro- 
bably the result of the stimulating impression which they make 
on the mucous membrane of the urinary passages. When the 
action of the kidneys is obstructed by disease of the heart, 
sedatives prove diuretic, by their tranquillizing influence on the 
action of the heart. In cases of obstruction of the portal sys- 
tem, mercurials increase the efficacy of the diuretics proper : 
and also cathartics, by stimulating the flow T of bile and the pan- 
creatic juice. 

The principal therapeutic employment of diuretics is to pro- 
mote the absorption of dropsical effusions. They are also use- 
ful in nephritic disorders attended with obstructed secretion ; 
to wash out calculi from the pelvis of the kidneys, ureters, and 
bladder ; in gravel, with the view of rendering the urine more 
dilute ; and they may be resorted to as evacuants, to reduce 
inflammation. 

As diuretics act by becoming absorbed, they should be ad- 
ministered m a very diluted state to prevent a cathartic effect. 

The following groups of medicines, noticed under other 
heads, are employed also as diuretics : 

1. The Saline and Ethereal Refrigerants (see p. 227). 

2. The Alkaline Carbonates (see Antacids) ; and the Alka- 
line Salts, which contain a vegetable acid, as the acetates, 
citrates, and tartrates. The acid tartrate of potassium, or 
cream or tartar (see p. 258), is a very active diuretic. 

Potassii Acetas (Acetate of Potassium). This salt 
(KC 2 H 3 2 ), formerly termed sal diureticus, from its decided 
diuretic action, is made by saturating acetic acid with bicar- 



DIURETICS. 287 

bonate of potassium. It occurs, when pure, as a white, folia- 
ceous, satiny mass, of a warm, pungent taste, very deliques- 
cent, and wholly soluble in water and alcohol. In small doses, 
it is diuretic ; and, in larger doses, gently cathartic. It is a 
good deal employed as a diuretic in dropsies, as an antacid in 
acute rheumatism, as a preventive of the formation of uric acid 
calculi, and it has also been found useful as an alterative in 
cutaneous affections. As is the case with all the alkaline salts 
containing vegetable acids, the acid of this salt is decomposed 
in the system into carbonic acid. Although increasing the flow 
of urine, the acetate of potassium diminishes the amount both 
of uric acid and of urea in the secretion. Hence it is valuable 
in gout, and, like colchicum, it may perhaps check the actual 
formation of uric acid in the system. Dose, 3j to 5j, three or 
four times a day. 

Sodii Acetas {Acetate of Sodium), is prepared from crude 
pyroligneous acid, which is saturated with cream of lime, and 
the solution of. acetate of calcium thus formed is decomposed 
by sulphate of sodium; repeated solution and crystallization, 
with fusion, furnish a pure salt in the form of white or colourless 
striated prisms (NaC 2 H 3 2 ,3H 2 0), which effloresce in dry air, 
are wholly soluble in water, tolerably soluble in alcohol, and 
have a sharp, bitterish, not disagreeable taste. Its effects and 
uses are analogous to those of acetate of potassium, over which 
it has the advantage of not being deliquescent. Dose, 3i to 5i. 

3. Sedatives (see p. 212), particularly Digitalis (see p. 
212), which is very much employed in cardiac dropsies, in 
combination with squill. 

4. Blennorrhetics (see p. 298), particularly the oleoreslns. 

5. Most of the Stimulating Diaphoretics. 

6. Among Astringents, Uva ursi (p. 175), and Pipsissewa 
(p. 176). 



288 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

SPECIAL DIURETICS. 
SCILLA — SQUILL. 

Squill is the bulb of Scilla maritima {Nat, Ord. Liliacese), a 
perennial plant, which grows on the shores of the Mediterra- 
nean. It has fibrous roots, attached to a roundish-ovate bulb, 
from which both the leaves and flower-stem spring directly, the 
latter appearing first ; the leaves are broad-lanceolate, and 
from twelve to eighteen inches long ; the stem is about two feet 
high, and bears pale, yellowish-green flowers. 

The fresh bulb is pyriform, of the size of the fist to that of a 
child's head, and consists of thick, fleshy, concentric scales, 
attenuated at their edges, and attached to a rudimentary stem; 
the outer scales are very thin and papery. Two kinds of squill 
bulbs are met with, the white and the red, which differ only in 
the colour of their scales, and are identical in medicinal virtues. 
Both abound in a viscid, acrid juice, which is very much dimin- 
ished by drying, with little loss of medicinal power. For im- 
portation, squill is usually sliced and dried, and is found in the 
shops in white or yellowish-white pieces, which, when dry, are 
brittle, but, when moist, flexible. They absorb moisture readily, 
and should be kept in well-stoppered bottles. They have a 
feeble odour, a bitter, nauseous, acrid taste, and yield their 
virtues to water, alcohol, and vinegar. Two active principles 
have been found in squill : one an acrid, poisonous, resinoid 
substance, soluble in alcohol and not in ether ; the other a bitter 
yellow principle, soluble in water and alcohol ; the bitter prin- 
ciple is much the less powerful. 

Physiological Effects. — In small doses, squill promotes secre- 
tion from the mucous membranes and the kidneys — its diuretic 
effect being much the most marked and constant. In larger 
doses, it excites nausea, vomiting, and occasionally purging ; 
and, in excessive doses, it acts as an acro-narcotic poison — gr. 
xxiv having proved fatal. The symptoms are violent vomiting 
and purging, abdominal pains, bloody or suppressed urine, 
reduction of the pulse, with collapse, or death may be preceded 



COLCHICUM. 289 

by convulsions ; after evacuation of the stomach, opiates and 
demulcents are to be administered, and, if syncope or collapse 
occur, alcoholic stimuli. 

Medicinal Uses.— Squill is employed principally in the 
treatment of dropsy ; it should not be used, however, in cases 
complicated with degeneration of the kidneys or inflammation 
of the bladder. Digitalis is much prescribed in combination 
with squill in the treatment of cardiac dropsies, and calomel is 
often added with a view to its action on the absorbents. As a 
blennorrhetic expectorant, squill is an excellent remedy in chronic 
and subacute bronchial affections ; it is, however, improper in 
the early stages of inflammatory cases. As an emetic, squill 
is too dangerous for general use ; but it forms an ingredient in 
some emetic preparations administered in croup. 

Administration. — Dose, as a diuretic or expectorant, gr. j, 
repeated and gradually increased till nausea supervenes. Gr. 
vj to gr. xij will vomit. Of the vinegar (acetum scilloe), (four 
troy ounces to diluted acetic acid Oij), the dose is TT[xxx to f5\j ; 
of the fluid extract, TT^ j ; of the syrup, made by dissolving 24 
troyounces of sugar in a pint of vinegar of squill, at a gentle 
heat, foj ; of the compound syrup, known as hive syrup, (which 
is prepared by percolation, by first making a solution of seneka 
and squill, in diluted alcohol and water, converting it into a 
syrup, and dissolving in it tartar emetic, one grain of which is 
contained in every ounce of the syrup), 10 drops to f 5j, accord- 
ing to the age ; of the tincture (four troyounces to diluted 
alcohol Oij), 20 to 40 drops. The compound pills of squill con- 
tain also ginger, ammoniac, and soap, and are used as a stimu- 
lant expectorant ; dose, one pill, three or four times a day, 
each pill containing half a grain of squill and one grain of 
ammoniac. 

COLCHICUM. 

Colchici Radix, Colchicum Root; Colchici Semen, Colchicum Seed. 

Colchicum autumnale, or Meadow-Saffron [Nat. Oral. Melan- 
thaceas), is a small, biennial, bulbous plant, which grows wild, 

19 



200 MATERIA MEDICA. 

in moist meadows, in England .and other temperate parts of 
Europe. The bulb, or conn, as it is botanically termed, appears 
in midsummer as the lateral offset from the corm of the pre- 
ceding vear. and sends up the flower-stem in the autumn — the 
leaves and fruit following in the succeeding spring. The leaves 
are broadly lanceolate, about five inches long ; the flowers, of a 
lilac or light-purple colour ; and the fruit, oblong, elliptical, 
and three-celled. 

The CORMS and seeds are the portions used medicinally. 
The conns are gathered in July, just before the sprouting of 
the flower from the young conn. They are somewhat like 
tulip-bulbs in appearance, but solid, and not composed of 
scales. They are covered by an external brown membrane, 
and an inner reddish-yellow one, and are an inch and a half to 
two and a half inches in length, with a longitudinal groove. 
Internally, they are white, fleshy, and solid, and contain an 
acrid, bitter, milky juice. As found in the shops, they are in 
the dried state, sometimes whole, but usually cut into transverse 
slices, about an eighth of an inch thick, with a notch on one 
side, and deprived of the outer brown membrane. They have 
a hircine odour, and a bitter, hot, and acrid taste. The seeds 
are brown, about the size of black mustard-seeds, inodorous, 
and have a bitter, acrid taste; they are less apt to be injured 
by drying than the corms. 

Colchicum corms and seeds yield their virtues to vinegar 
and alcohol ; they both contain a peculiar non-crystallizable, 
alkaloid active principle, soluble in water, readily so in alcohol, 
but insoluble in ether, termed coichicia (C 34 H 19 NO 10 ), which is 
a powerful poison ; coichicia, in the saline form, is converted 
into another isomeric principle, termed colchiceine, and resin, 
but not probably with loss of medicinal effect. Coichicia makes 
with concentrated nitric acid a violet solution, becoming 
yellow by dilution with water ; with concentrated sulphuric 
acid, it produces an intensely yellow colour. 

Physiological Effects. — Colchicum is a local irritant. Taken 
internally, in small doses, it stimulates the secretions generally ; 
in larger doses, it produces nausea, vomiting, and purging, and 



COLCHICUM. 291 

commonly a reduction of the frequency of the pulse ; in ex- 
cessive doses, it is an acro-narcotic poison, producing death by 
a sedative action on the heart, the cerebral functions being 
usually unaffected. Tannic acid is a partial antidote ; opiates, 
demulcents, and stimulants are to be given. Although placed 
among the diuretics, colchicum does not evince a more decided 
action on the kidneys than on other secretions, as those of the 
skin, liver, and mucous membranes. 

Medicinal Uses. — Colchicum has long enjoyed a high repu- 
tation in the treatment of gout; and, although its modus me- 
dendi is rather obscure, it is universally admitted to possess a 
more decided control over the disease than any other remedy. 
Its efficacy has been attributed to a combined sedative, ano- 
dyne, and eccritic action ; but, as it has a marked effect in 
diminishing the amount of uric acid, excreted in the urine, it 
probably arrests the formation of this acid in the blood, and in 
this way produces its anti- arthritic influence. It is usually ad- 
ministered in repeated doses, till an effect is produced on the 
bowels, though purging does not promote its curative effect. 
Epsom salt and magnesia are often combined with it, as in 
the celebrated Scudamore s draught (magnesia, gr. xv to xx ; 
sulphate of magnesium, 5j to 5ij ; wine of colchicum seed, 
f 5j to f5ij, in any pleasant vehicle). An excellent combina- 
tion in the treatment of gout, is colchicum (wine of the seed, 
foi), with iodide of potassium (5ij), dissolved in cinnamon 
water (fSviij),- — dose, f §ss, three times a day, until purgation is 
produced. Quinine and digitalis are also often given advanta- 
geously, with colchicum, in gout.* When it is desired to act 
on the kidneys and skin rather than the bowels, opiates are 
sometimes added. In rheumatism, it is also employed, but it 
has little control over this disease. It has been occasionally 
resorted to as a diuretic in dropsy, as a sedative in febrile and 
inflammatory diseases, as an anthelmintic, as an expectorant, 
and in some nervous affections. 

* Lartigue's celebrated gout-pills are, acetic extract of colchicum root, 2 
grains, extract of digitalis, 1 grain, compound extract of colocynth, 20 
grains, to be mixed and divided into 5 pills — one to be taken at night. 



292 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Administration. — Dose of the corm or seeds, in powder, gr. 
ij to gr. viij ; the seeds are to be preferred. The liquid prepa- 
rations, which are more generally used than the powder, are : 
The wine of the root (yinum colchici radicis), (twelve troyounces 
to Sherry wine Oij), dose, XX\x to f'oss ; wine of the seed {yinum 
colchici seminis), (four troyounces to wine Oij), dose, f5ss-j ; 
tincture (four troyounces of the seed to diluted alcohol Oij), 
dose, f5ss to f oi- An acetic extract of the root is also em- 
ployed — dose, gr. i-ij ; and a fluid extract of the seed, and also 
of the root — doses, 4 to 12 drops. 

ERIGERON. 

Three varieties of Erigeron are officinal: E. Canadense, or 
Canada Fleabane, E. heterophyllum, or Various-leaved Flea- 
bane, and E. Philadelphicum, or Philadelphia Fleabane (Nat. 
Ord. Asteracese). They are herbaceous indigenous plants, two 
or three feet high, with ovate or lanceolate toothed leaves, and 
white, blue, or purple flowers. The leaves and tops are 
officinal. Canada Erigeron, which is found in the Northern 
and Middle States, has an agreeable odour, and a bitter, acrid, 
somewhat astringent taste. It contains bitter extractive, tan- 
nic and gallic acids, and volatile oil ; and is diuretic, tonic, and 
astringent. The oil of Canada Erigeron possesses haemostatic 
properties, and has been used in hemorrhagic dysentery and 
uterine hemorrhage — dose, 5 to 10 drops ; a fluid extract of 
Canada Erigeron may be given in the dose of f5i-iv. Various- 
leaved and Philadelphia Fleabane, popularly known as scabious, 
common plants all over the United States, have an aromatic 
odour, and a slightly bitterish taste. Their most striking 
medicinal action is diuretic, and they have long been favourite 
remedies in dropsical and nephritic affections. An infusion or 
decoction to the amount of a pint (containing a troy ounce of 
the herb) may be taken daily. 



INDIAN HEMP. 



293 



APOCYNUM CANNABINUM — INDIAN HEMP. 

This is an indigenous herbaceous plant (Nat. Ord. Apocyna- 
ceae), growing to the height of two or three feet, with oblong- 
Fig. 29. 




ovate leaves, and small, greenish, campanulate flowers. The 
root is the officinal portion ; it is of a yellowish-brown colour 
when young, and of a dark-chestnut when old, has a strong 
odour, and a nauseous, acrid, bitter taste. The fresh root, 
when wounded, pours out a milky juice, whence the plant is 
sometimes termed milk-weed ; it yi elds its virtues to water and 
alcohol, and contains gallic and tannic acids, gum, resin, a bitter 
principle, &c, and a peculiar active principle termed apocynin. 



294 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Although the entire root is officinal, the bar k of the root is 
probably alone active. A. androssemifolium, or Dogsbane, is 
possessed of much the same properties as A. cannabinura. 

Hffects and Uses. — Indian Hemp (which is not to be con- 
founded with Cannabis Indica, p. 81) is diuretic, diaphoretic, 
sedative, and, in continued doses, emeto-cathartic. It is chiefly 
employed in the treatment of dropsy, in which its action is often 
powerfully efficacious. It should be given in amounts just 
sufficient to produce diuresis, as a cathartic effect is not desira- 
ble. The best form of exhibition is infusion (half a troyounce 
to a pint of boiling water), or the same amount may be dissolved 
in a pint of gin ; dose, 2, 3, or 4 teaspoonfuls, three or four 
times a day. 

TARAXACU M — D ANDELION. 

Taraxacum Dens-leonis, or Dandelion (Nat. Ord. Cichoracese), 
is a small, herbaceous, perennial plant, common to most parts 

Ficr. 30. 




of the world, and found abundantly throughout the United 
States. It has a fusiform root, which sends up numerous long, 
sinuated, bright-green leaves, and flower-stems, about six inches 
high, bearing golden-yellow flowers. The ROOT is the officinal 
portion, and should be gathered in the autumn. In the fresh 
state, it is several inches long, branched, fleshy, of a light- 
brown colour externally, whitish within, and abounds in a milky 



JUNIPER. 295 

juice ; the fresh root is preferable for use. When dried, it is 
shrunken, wrinkled, and brittle. It is without smell, but has a 
bitter taste. Boiling water extracts its virtues, which depend 
on a peculiar bitter crystallizable principle termed taraxacin, 
soluble in boiling water, alcohol, and ether. 

JEffects and Uses. — Taraxacum is diuretic, and slightly ape- 
rient, with some tonic action, and a special determination to 
the liver. It is a valuable remedy in hepatic dropsies, and is 
also employed in dyspepsia, accompanied by derangement of the 
liver. It is given in the form of infusion (two troyounces to 
boiling water Oj) — dose f§ij, three times a day; extract (an 
inspissated juice, which should not be kept above a year), — 
dose 3j to 5jj three times a day; fluid extract, — dose, foi — ij' 
three times a day, and juice (succus taraxaci, made by adding 
five measures of the juice of the fresh root to one measure of 
alcohol) — dose, f 5i-ij, repeated. 



JUNIPERU S — J UNIPER. 

The fruit, or berries, of Juniperus communis [Nat. Ord. 
Pinacese), an evergreen European shrub, naturalized in the 
United States, are used as adjuvants to the more active diuret- 
ics. When dried, they are about the size of a pea, of a blackish- 
purple colour, and a sweetish, terebinthinate, aromatic taste : 
they are given in infusion (a troyounce to boiling water Oj). 
Their virtues depend on a volatile oil (Oleum Juniperi) (C 10 
H 16 ), the dose of which is from five to fifteen drops, two or three 
times a day. The compound spirit (a fluidrachm and a half of 
the oil, with 10 minims each of the oils of caraway and fennel, 
dissolved in 5 pints of alcohol and 3 pints of water), is a 
pleasant addition to stimulating diuretic and blennorrhetic 
combinations, and a good stomachic and carminative, — dose, 
f5i-ij. The spirit is made by dissolving a fluidounce of the oil 
in 3 pints of stronger alcohol, — dose, f5i-ij- 



296 MATERIA MEDICA. 



C A ROT A — CARROT SEED. 



Daucus Carota, or Wild Carrot (Nat. Ord. Apiaceae), is a 
verv common indigenous plant, which is found also wild in 
Europe. It has a biennial spindle-shaped root, an erect branch- 
ing stem two or three feet high, tripinnate leaves, with narrow, 
pointed leaflets, and small white flowers, arranged in umbels. 
The fruit or seeds, which are the officinal portion, are light, 
of a brownish colour, an oval shape, convex and bristly on 
one side, and flat on the other. They have an aromatic odour, 
a warm, pungent, bitterish taste, and contain a volatile oil, on 
which their virtues depend. 

Effects and Uses. — Carrot-seeds are aromatic and diuretic, 
and are a good deal employed in dropsical and nephritic affec- 
tions, agreeing well with the stomach, from their aromatic oil. 
The infusion is a popular remedy for the relief of strangury 
from blisters. Dose, 5ss to 5j\ or an infusion (half a troyounce 
to water Oj), ad libitum. 

The root of this plant possesses the same properties as the 
seeds. The root of the cultivated plant, the well-known gar- 
den carrot, is employed as an application to sloughing ulcers. 



SCOPARIUS — BROOM. 

Sarothamnus Scoparius, or Broom (Nat. Ord. Fabacese), is a 
common European shrub, cultivated in the United States, from 
three to five feet high, with numerous bright-yellow flowers. 
The tops of the branches are the officinal portion, but the seeds 
are also used. The twigs are pentangular (with small, oblong, 
downy leaves), of a bright-green colour, a strong, peculiar 
odour, when bruised, and a bitter, nauseous taste. Two prin- 
ciples are found in broom-tops, scoparin, a neutral, crystalliza- 
ble body, supposed to be the diuretic constituent, and a volatile 
alkaloid, sparteia (C 15 H 26 N), said to be narcotic. 

Effects and Uses. — Broom is an efficient diuretic, in large 
doses producing free purging. It is a valuable and reliable 



LARKSPUR. 297 

remedy in dropsy, best given in decoction, half an ounce to a 
pint of water, boiled down to half a pint, of which an ounce 
may be given every hour or two, till the bowels are disturbed. 
A fluid extract (not officinal) is used in doses of f5ss-i. 

CANTHARIS — CANTHARIDES. 

The properties, &c, of cantharides will be noted fully under 
the head of Irritants (subdivision JSpispastics). Taken inter- 
nally, they sometimes prove diuretic, and generally excite irri- 
tation of the genito-urinary passages, as strangury, priapism, 
&c. ; and, in overdoses, act as an acro-narcotic poison. They 
are employed in atonic dropsies, incontinence of urine, 
amenorrhoea, seminal weakness, impotence, &c. Dose, gr. i-ij, 
twice a day, in pill. They are most commonly administered 
in tincture (a troyounce to diluted alcohol Oij), — dose, gtt. x, 
or more, three or four times a day, till strangury supervenes. 

The following medicines, though less frequently resorted to 
than the foregoing, possess very decided diuretic properties, 
and may be employed with advantage in the treatment of drop- 
sical and nephritic affections : 

The root of Hydrastis Canadensis, or Yellow Root 
(Nat. Ord. Ranunculacese), a small indigenous plant, with yel- 
low, fugacious flowers, and a red fruit resembling raspberries, 
contains the alkaloid, berberina (previously noticed), and an- 
other alkaloid, hydrastia. It is contorted, rugose, of a bright- 
yellow colour, and has a strong, somewhat narcotic odour, and 
a bitter taste. It is tonic as well as diuretic, and is a very 
efficacious diuretic in promoting the discharge of calculi from 
the kidneys ; the fluid extract may be given in doses of f5ij-iv. 

The seed of Delphinium Consolida, or Larkspur (Nat. 
Ord. Ranunculaceae), a European plant, cultivated in our gar- 
dens, and to some extent naturalized. It contains an alkaloid, 
delphinia, and is a good diuretic, though in large doses pro- 
ducing vomiting and purging. The tincture (an ounce to a 
pint of diluted alcohol) is given in doses of from 10 to 20 drops, 
three times a day. 



298 MATERIA MEDICA. 

The root of Petroselinum Sativum, or Parsley (Nat. 
Ord, Apiacese), a European plant, cultivated in our vegetable 
gardens for its leaves. Parsley contains a peculiar principle 
termed apiol, a yellowish, oily liquid, which has been used in 
amenorrhoea and dysrnenorrhoea, in the dose of four grains, 
morning and evening. 

The root of Cochlearia Armoracia, or Horse-Radish 
{Nat, Ord. Brassicacese), a European plant, cultivated here for 
its root, which is used as a condiment.* 



ORDER V. BLENNORRHETICS. 

Blennorrheas (from pfawa, mucus, and peo, I flow), are 
medicines which promote the secretion of the mucous mem- 
branes. They are employed therapeutically in morbid con- 
ditions of these membranes, with a view to the restoration of 
healthy action, in cases of deficient, abnormal, or excessive 
secretion. 

When administered with the object of stimulating the secre- 
tion of mucus from the bronchial or laryngeal membrane, this 
class of agents is termed expectorants. They are prescribed in 
the subacute and chronic forms t)f bronchitis and laryngitis, 
and in the declining stages of the acute forms of these affec- 
tions and pneumonia. In the early or inflammatory stages of 
acute bronchitis and laryngitis, the stimulating expectorants 
are inadmissible, until expectoration has been established. 

The blennorrheas are less employed in gastro-enteric affec- 
tions than in those of other mucous membranes, owing to their 
tendency to produce catharsis. Several of the oleoresins are, 
however, used with advantage in certain forms of chronic 
diarrhoea, and the oil of turpentine is highly esteemed in the 
treatment of the diarrhoea of typhoid fever. 

The oleoresinous articles of this group are extensively em- 

* Under the name of cider mixture, a compound infusion is used in dropsy, 
of which the following is the formula : Juniper berries, mustard seed, and 
ginger, each half an ounce, horse-radish, parsley-root, each an ounce, 
cider, two pints — dose, a wineglassful, two or three times a day. 



SENEKA. 



299 



ployed in diseases of the urino-genital mucous membranes, — 
gonorrhoea, gleet, leucorrhoea. incontinence of urine, cysti- 
tis, &c. 

The following are the articles chiefly resorted to for their 
influence on the mucous membranes : 



SENEGA — SENEKA. 



Poly gala Senega, or Seneka Snakeroot (N~at. Ord. Polyga- 
laceae), is a small indigenous plant, found in all parts of the 
United States, but most abundantly in the South and West. 



Fig. 31. 




It has a perennial, branching root, several erect annual stems, 
about a foot in height, alternate, lanceolate leaves, and small, 
whitish flowers, arranged in a terminal spike. The ROOT is the 
officinal portion. It occurs in the shops in twisted pieces, vary- 
ing in thickness from the size of a quill to that of the little 
finger, attached to a knotty head, and marked with a ridge 
along their whole length and numerous annular protuberances. 
The cortical portion is hard, resinous, of a yellowish-brown 



300 MATERIA MEDICA. 

colour, and contains the active qualities of the root. The cen- 
tral ligneous portion is white and inert. The odour of seneka 
is peculiar and disagreeable, but faint in the dried root ; the 
taste is at first mucilaginous and sweetish, but afterwards be- 
comes acrid and very irritating. 

The virtues of seneka are extracted by cold and hot water 
and alcohol. It contains a peculiar acrid, acid principle, called 
polygalic acid, on which its activity chiefly depends ; this is 
thought to be a glucoside derivative of saponin, a glucoside 
found in Soapwort and other plants. 

Effects and Uses. — Seneka, in small doses, is an active ex- 
citant of the mucous membranes and secretions generally, and 
in large doses proves emetic and cathartic. It is chiefly pre- 
scribed as a stimulating expectorant in chronic and subacute 
bronchial affections, and in the latter stages of acute bronchitis, 
pneumonia, &c. As an ingredient in the compound syrup of 
squill, it is much employed in the treatment of croup, but, 
except in some such combination with tartar emetic or other 
emetic nauseant, it is scarcely admissible in the early stages of 
this disease. Seneka is thought also to possess emmenagogue 
properties, and is highly extolled by many practitioners in the 
treatment of amenorrhea. It has been occasionally used as a 
diuretic in dropsies, and, in emeto-cathartic doses, has been 
found useful in rheumatism. 

Administration. — Dose, in powder, gr. x to 3j ; but it is 
chiefly given in decotion (a troyounce boiled for fifteen minutes 
in water enough to make the decoctiou measure Oj), dose fSij, 
three or four times a day. An extract {alcoholic) is given in 
the dose of from one to three grains ; a fluid extract, in the dose 
of TT[x-xx ; and a syrup is also used, in the dose of f5i-ij 
(made by percolating four troyounces of seneka with two pints 
of diluted alcohol, evaporating to half a pint, and dissolving 
in this tincture fifteen troyounces of sugar by a gentle heat). 



CIMICIFUGA. 



301 



CIMICIFUGA. 



Cimicifuga racemosa, Black Snakeroot, or Cohosh [Nat. Ord. 
Ranunculacese), is a yery common indigenous perennial plant, 

Fig. 32. 




growing to the height of from four to eight feet, with ternate 
leaves, oblong-ovate, incised, and toothed leaflets, and small, 
white flowers, disposed in a long raceme. The koot is the part 
employed. It consists of a rugged, blackish-brown caudex, 
from a third of an inch to an inch in thickness, often several 
inches in length, furnished with numerous slender radicles. 



302 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Internally, its colour is whitish : it has a peculiar, faint, disa- 
greeable odour, and a bitter, somewhat astringent taste. It 
imparts its virtues to boiling water, and contains gum, starch, 
two resins, tannic and gallic acids, salts, and a volatile oil, 
which is probably an active constituent, as the root deteriorates 
by keeping. 

Effects and Uses. — The effects of cimicifuga are not very 
accurately known, but it is undoubtedly an active stimulant of 
the secretions, particularly those of the mucous membranes, 
skin, and kidneys, with, probably, in large doses, a sedative 
and antispasmodic action. It is believed, also, to act on the 
uterus like ergot. It has been employed with great advantage 
as an expectorant in chronic bronchial affections, and even 
phthisis pulmonalis, and has been used also as a diaphoretic 
in rheumatism, and as a diuretic in dropsies. As an anti- 
spasmodic in chorea, it enjoys a high reputation, and it is also 
recommended in the spasmodic forms of hysteria, particularly 
when connected with amenorrhcea. It is employed, too, occa- 
sionally, to promote the expulsion of the placenta after de- 
livery, in the relief of after-pains, and in Menorrhagia. A 
saturated alcoholic solution has been used with good effect, as 
an application to the eyelids in ophthalmia. 

Administration. — Dose, in powder, 3j to 5j ; a decoction 
(not officinal) is employed. Of the fluid extract, the dose is 
f5ss-j. 

ALLIUM — GARLIC. 

Allium sativum (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae), is a small, perennial, 
bulbous plant, which grows wild in the south of Europe, and 
is cultivated in all parts of the world. The bulb is the portion 
used. As found in the shops, it is somewhat spherical in form, 
about an inch in diameter, with a portion of the stem attached, 
covered with a white, membranous envelope, and consists of five 
or six smaller bulbs, of a curved, oblong shape, called cloves 
of garlic. They have a strong, irritating, characteristic odour, 
and a bitter, acrid taste. Water, alcohol, and vinegar extract 
their virtues, which depend on an essential oil, which is of a 



TURPENTINE. 303 

yellow colour, very volatile and irritating ; it is a sulphide of a 
peculiar radical, termed allyl, (C 3 H 5 ) 2 S. 

Effects and Uses. — Garlic is a local irritant and rubefacient, 
and, taken internally, quickens the circulation and stimulates 
the secretions generally. It is a good deal employed as an 
expectorant in chronic and subacute catarrhal affections, par- 
ticularly in infantile cases, and, occasionally, as a stomachic in 
flatulence, and as a diuretic in atonic dropsies. Externally, it 
is used as a revulsive rubefacient to the feet, as a resolvent of 
indolent tumours, and as a liniment in infantile convulsions. 

Administration. — A clove may be swallowed entire, or cut 
into small pieces. Dose of the fresh bulbs, 5i— ij, in pill; of 
the juice, f5ss, mixed with sugar ; of the syrup (made by mace- 
rating 6 troyounces of garlic in 10 fluidounces of diluted acetic 
acid, expressing, mixing the residue with 6 fluidounces more of 
diluted acetic acid, expressing, and dissolving in the expressed 
liquid 24 troyounces of sugar), f3j, for children. 

SCILLA — SQUILL. 

Squill, already noticed among diuretics, is one of the most 
powerful and valuable stimulating expectorants in the Materia 
Meclica. (For properties, doses, preparations, &c, see p. 288.) 

TEREBINTHINA — TURPENTINE. 

The term turpentine is applied to liquid or concrete vegetable 
juices, consisting of resin combined with a peculiar essential 
oil, called oil of turpentine. Two kinds of turpentine are recog- 
nized by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia : 1. The common American 
white turpentine, which is procured chiefly from Pinus palus- 
tris (Nat. Ord. Pinacese), a large indigenous evergreen tree of 
our Southern States, where it is called Long-leaved Pine, 
Yellow Pine, and Pitch Pine, and in part also from Pinus 
Tseda, found in Virginia, and other species of Pinus. 2. Can- 
ada turpentine (Terebinthina Canadensis), kept in the shops 
under the name of Canada balsam or balsam of fir, the product 



304 MATEKIA MEDICA. 

of Abies balsam ea, the American Silver Fir, or Balm of Gilead 
Tree [Xat. Ord. Pinacea^), a handsome tree about 40 feet in 
height, inhabiting the northern portions of North America. 
Many other varieties of turpentine are known in commerce, as 
Bordeaux turpentine, Venice turpentine, Chian turpentine, &c. 

White turpentine comes from North Carolina and other 
Southern States, and is collected from excavations made in the 
trunks of the trees, into which the turpentine runs in the mild 
weather. It is yellowish-white, and somewhat translucent, 
semi-fluid in summer, firm and hard in winter, but becoming 
permanently hard by exposure to the air, and has a peculiar 
aromatic odour, and a warm, pungent, bitterish taste. Canada 
turpentine comes from Canada and Maine. It is procured by 
breaking the vesicles, which are found between the bark and 
wood of the trees, and collecting the liquid contents in a bottle. 
When fresh, it has the consistence of honey, but gradually 
solidifies by age. It is yellow, transparent, tenacious, of a 
peculiar, pleasant terebinthinate odour, and a slightly bitter, 
acrid taste. 

Chemical Constituents. — The turpentines yield, by distilla- 
tion, a volatile oil, known as oil of turpentine, and leave a 
residue consisting exclusively of resin. Both the oil and resin 
are officinal. The turpentines are inflammable, nearly insolu- 
ble in water, but almost wholly soluble in alcohol and ether. 

Physiological Effects. — The local operation of the terebin- 
thinates is irritant. When applied to the skin, they produce a 
rubefacient effect, and, when swallowed, in large doses, promote 
the peristaltic motion of the intestines. Taken internally, in 
small doses, they are absorbed, and prove excitant to the vas- 
cular system and the secretions generally, especially the 
mucous membranes; they communicate a violet odour to the 
urine. The activity of the terebinthinates depends on their 
volatile oil. 

Medicinal Uses. — Turpentine is employed chiefly in diseases 
of the various mucous membranes, as gonorrhoea, gleet, leu- 
corrhoea, cystorrhoea, chronic bronchitis, and chronic mucous 
diarrhoea. It is also used in rheumatic complaints, and in 



TURPENTINE. 305 

iritis and sclerotitis; and, in cathartic doses, in cases of ascar- 
ides, constipation, and colic. 

Administration. — Dose, as a blennorrhetic, 3j to 5j» m pitt> 
emulsion, or electuary; as an anthelmintic or cathartic, half a 
troyounce to an ounce, in emulsion. The white turpentine is 
generally used in this country. 

Oleum Terebinthlm {Oil of Turpentine) (O 10 H 16 ), com- 
monly called Spirit of Turpentine, is the active principle of 
turpentine, obtained by distillation. It is a limpid, colourless, 
volatile, and inflammable liquid, of a strong, penetrating, 
peculiar odour, and a hot, pungent, bitterish taste ; very 
slightly soluble in water, less soluble in alcohol than the 
volatile oils generally, and wholly soluble in ether ; exposed to 
the air, it absorbs oxygen, with the formation of resin. This 
oil has been already noticed under the head of aromatic stimu- 
lants (p. 204). Its effects and medicinal uses are the same as 
those of turpentine, for which it is usually substituted in prac- 
tice. Locally, it acts as a rubefacient. When swallowed in 
large doses, as fSi-ij, it commonly passes off by the bowels ; and, 
taken in small doses, it is absorbed, and stimulates the circula- 
tion and the secretions of the mucous membranes, kidneys, and 
skin. It often produces strangury and considerable irritation 
of the urinary-genital passages. Poisonous effects from the 
oil of turpentine are rare, as it generally passes off by the 
bowels ; it may, however, produce severe vomiting and purging, 
bloody or suppressed urine, intense irritation of the urino-genital 
organs, unconsciousness, with dilated pupils, and even death. 
In large doses, it is employed as an anthelmintic and cathartic, 
and is much used as a clyster for the relief of tympanites. In 
small doses, it is greatly prescribed in chronic discharges and 
hemorrhages from the various mucous membranes ; in the latter 
stages of typhoid fever as a combined stimulant and blennor- 
rhetic ; as a diaphoretic in rheumatism and neuralgia ; in infan- 
tile diabetes, nephritic disorders, dropsy, &c. As a rubefacient, 
it is a valuable counter-irritant in numerous diseases ; turpen- 
tine stupes are highly efficacious in catarrhal affections. 

20 



806 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Dose, gtt. v-xxx, repeated, as a hlennorrlietic stimulant ; 
fSss-fSj, as a cathartic enema, or anthelmintic, in emulsion. 
Linimcntum terebinthince (oil of turpentine Oss, melted with 
resin cerate twelve troyounces), is used as an application to 
burns and scalds. 

Pix Liquida [Tar) is an impure turpentine, procured by 
burning, from the wood of Pinus palustris, and other species 
of Pinus. It is a brownish-black, viscid, semi-liquid substance, 
of a peculiar empyreumatic odour, and a bitterish, resinous, 
somewhat acid taste ; soluble in alcohol, ether, and the volatile 
and fixed oils. It consists of resin, united with acetic acid, 
oil of turpentine, and various volatile, empyreumatic products. 
By distillation, it yields pyroligneous acid and oil of tar — the 
residuum being pitch. 

The oil of tar contains, besides oil of turpentine, creasote 
(see p. 180), and other principles. 

Effects and Uses. — Tar resembles the turpentines in its 
effects, and is employed in chronic catarrhal affections, and 
other diseases of the mucous membranes. Its vapour has been 
employed in bronchitis ; and, externally, it is an excellent 
application in tinea capitis, psoriasis, and other cutaneous affec- 
tions. Dose, 5ss to 5j 5 several times a day, in pill or electu- 
ary ; or the infusion (infusum picis liquids), (made by digest- 
ing tar Oj with water Oiv), may be taken in the quantity of 
Oi-ij, daily. Grlycerite of tar {glyceritum picis liquidce) is 
made by rubbing a troyounce of tar first with two troyounces 
of carbonate of magnesium, and then with six fluidounces of 
a mixture of four fluidounces of glycerin, two of alcohol, and 
ten of water ; the residue is to be rubbed with half of the re- 
maining liquid, and the process again repeated with the remain- 
ing liquid ; the residue is to be percolated with the expressed 
liquids previously mixed, and afterwards water enough is 
added to make the whole measure a pint ; a fluidounce contains 
30 grains of tar. The syrup (though not officinal) is a good 
preparation, and may be made by dissolving 40 parts of sugar 
in 21 parts of the infusion. The ointment {unguentum picis 
liquidce) is made by mixing equal parts of tar and melted suet. 



COPAIBA. 307 

Resina [Resin), commonly called rosin, is the residue after 
the distillation of the oil from turpentine. It is a yellowish- 
brown, semi-transparent, solid, brittle substance, with a slight 
terebinthinate odour and taste — insoluble in water, soluble in 
ether, alcohol, and the essential oils, readily uniting by fusion 
with wax and the fixed oils, and forming soluble soaps with 
alkalies. When agitated with water, in a state of fusion, it 
becomes opaque and white. It is not used internally, but is 
extensively employed in the formation of plasters and oint- 
ments, to which it communicates great adhesiveness and slightly 
stimulant properties. 

Oeratum Resince [Resin Cerate), commonly called basilieon 
ointment, is made by melting resin (5 parts), lard (8 parts), 
and yellow wax (2 parts), together ; it is an excellent mild 
stimulant application to burns, blistered surfaces, &c. Com- 
pound Resin Cerate, made by melting 12 troyounces of resin, 
suet, and yellow wax, each, with 6 troyounces of turpentine, 
and 7 troyounces of flaxseed oil, is a good stimulant cerate, 
very popular under the name of DeMers Salve. Emplastrnm 
Resince [Resin Plaster), made by melting one part of resin 
with six parts of lead plaster, is the well-known adhesive 
plaster, used to retain the edges of wounds in contact, to 
produce extension in the treatment of fractures, to protect 
excoriated surfaces, to promote absorption, &c. 

COPAIBA. 

Copaiba is an oleo-resin obtained from several species of 
Copaifera [Nat. Ord. Amyridacse), large trees peculiar to 
South America. C. multijuga, a native of Brazil, is now 
recognized as the principal source of copaiba, and most of the 
copaiba of commerce is probably derived from the province of 
Para, in Brazil ; Central America also yields copaiba. The 
juice is obtained from incisions in the stems of the trees ; as it 
at first exudes, it is clear, colourless, and very thin, but it soon 
acquires a thicker consistence and a yellowish hue. As found 
in the shops, it is a clear, transparent liquid, of the consistence 



308 MATERIA MEDICA. 

of olive oil. of a pale-yellow colour, a peculiar agreeable smell, 
and a pungent, nauseous, acrid taste. By exposure to the air, 
it acquires a deeper colour and denser consistence. 

Copaiba is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, 
and the volatile and fixed oils; with alkalies and alkaline 
earths, it forms a soap. It is chemically an oleo-resin, with a 
minute portion of acetic acid; the volatile oil is officinal ; 
the resin possesses acid properties, and is called copaioic acid. 
By exposure to the air, copaiba gradually becomes darker and 
thicker, and finally hard and brittle, owing to the volatilization 
and oxidation of its oil. Copaiba was formerly called a balsam, 
but this title is incorrect, as it contains no benzoic or cinnamic 
acid. 

Effects and Uses. — The effects of copaiba are very analogous 
to those of the terebinthinates. In large doses, it proves 
cathartic, and occasionally emetic, and, in small doses, it is 
absorbed, communicating its peculiar odour to the secretions 
and exhalations, and stimulating the secretions from the mucous 
membranes and kidneys ; it is also a gentle excitant to the cir- 
culatory system. The urine of persons who have taken copaiba 
for some time, yields a precipitate with nitric acid, like albumi- 
nous urine, by the action of the acid on the resin. Copaiba is 
employed in diseases of the mucous membranes, particularly 
those of a chronic character, as chronic bronchitis, chronic 
diarrhoea, leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea, gleet, catarrh, and irritation 
of the bladder, &c, and, like turpentine, in rheumatism and 
iritis. As a remedy in gonorrhoea, it has long enjoyed great 
popularity, and is given with advantage even in the earliest 
stages of the disorder. 

Administration. — Dose, gtt. xx to foj, three times a day in 
emulsion, with some aromatic water,* or in pills (pills of copaiba), 
made by mixing 2 troyounces of copaiba with 60 grains of 
magnesia, and dividing the mass after it concretes into 200 

* Chapman's Copaiba Mixture is, Copaiba and Spirit of Nitrous Ether, 
each half a fluidounce, powdered Gum Arabic and Sugar, each a drachm, 
Cd. Spirit of Lavender, 2 fluidrachms, Tincture of Opium, a fluidrachm, 
distilled water, 4 fluidounces — dose, a tablespoonful three times a day. 



CUBEB. 309 

pills, or inclosed in capsules of gelatin ; the pills are absorbed 
with difficulty. It is also administered as a clyster, in emulsion. 
Cubeb is frequently prescribed with copaiba, in the treatment 
of gonorrhoea. 

Oleum Copaiba {Oil of Copaiba), (C 15 H 24 ), obtained by dis- 
tillation from copaiba, is usually colourless, with the odour and 
taste of copaiba, and produces the same effects on the system. 
Dose, gtt. x-xv, in emulsion, or dropped on sugar. 

CUBEB A — C U B E B . 

Cubeb is the unripe fruit of Piper Cubeba, or Cubeba Of- 
ficinalis {Nat. Ord. Piperaceae), a climbing, perennial plant of 
Java and other parts of the East Indies. The berries are gath- 
ered for use when unripe, and are dried. They are about the 
size of a small pea, of a blackish or grayish-brown colour, a 
reticulated surface, and furnished with a stalk two or three 
lines long. The shell is bard, and contains a blackish seed, 
which is white and oily within. The odour of cubeb is aro- 
matic ; the taste warm, acrid, and camphoraceous. The berries 
deteriorate by age, most rapidly in powder, owing to the escape 
of their volatile oil. Their most interesting constituents are a 
volatile oil (which is officinal), (C 15 H 24 ), a principle called 
cubebin, and resinous matter ; the resinous matter consists of 
both a hard and soft resin, the former insoluble in ether, the 
latter soluble in ether, of acid reaction, and termed cubebic 
acid. The oil is carminative and stimulant, and the blennor- 
rhetic and diuretic properties of cubeb reside chiefly in the 
resin ; cubebin is inert. 

Effects and Uses. — In large doses, cubeb, like the other 
oleo-resins, produces more or less gastro-enteric disturbance. 
In small doses, it produces a stomachic effect like that of black 
pepper ; after its absorption, it acts as a gentle excitant to the 
vascular system, with a very decided stimulant action on the 
mucous surfaces, particularly those of the urino-genital ap- 
paratus ; it also frequently proves diuretic. It is eliminated 
chiefly by the urine, increasing the excretion of uric acid, and, 



310 MATERIA MEDICA. 

under its use. the urine yields a precipitate with nitric acid. 
An eruption, like urticaria, sometimes follows the administra- 
tion of hoth copaiba and cubeb. It is used chiefly in the treat- 
ment of gonorrhoea, and should be given in the early stage of 
the disease. In other mucous discharges, as chronic catarrh 
with profuse secretion, leucorrhoea, gleet, cystitis, &c, cubeb 
has been also employed with advantage. 

Administration. — Dose of the powder, 5i-iij, three times a 
day. in gonorrhoea ; in chronic mucous disorders, smaller doses 
are given. The oil is often employed, but it does not possess 
the full virtues of cubeb — dose, gtt. x-xij, to be repeated and 
gradually increased ; it may be taken in emulsion, or dropped 
on sugar, or made into gelatinous capsules with oil of copaiba. 
The oleo-resin contains both the volatile oil and resin, with a 
portion of cubebin, and is an excellent preparation — dose 
IT^ v-xxx, suspended in water ; of the tincture (four troyounces 
to diluted alcohol Oij), the dose is f5i-ij, three times a day; 
of the fluid extract, the dose is f 5ss-i. Troches of cubeb are 
made with half a fluiclounce of the oleo-resin, a fluidrachm of 
oil of sassafras, 4 troyounces of liquorice, 3 troyounces of 
sugar, 2 troyounces of gum Arabic, mixed with enough syrup 
of Tolu to form a mass, and divided into 480 troches. 



MAT I CO. 

This name is given to the leaves of Artanthe elongata (Nat. 
Ord. Piperacese), a shrub of Peru. They are from two to 
eight inches long, by about an inch in breadth, oval-lanceolate 
and acuminate in shape, crenate, strongly veined or reticulated, 
bright-green on the upper surface, paler beneath, of a pleasant, 
aromatic odour, and a strong, spicy, slightly astringent taste. 
The stalks and spikes of the plant are generally mixed with 
the leaves, more or less compressed into a lump, of a greenish 
colour. Matico contains chlorophyll, resin, volatile oil, and a 
peculiar bitter principle, soluble in water and alcohol, termed 
maticin. 

Effects and Uses. — Matico is a pleasant, aromatic tonic, with 



PAREIRA BRAVA. 311 

a special determination to the mucous membranes. It is used 
as an alterative stimulant in the entire circle of diseased mucous 
membranes, especially those of the urinary passages. It is 
also used internally as a hemostatic, and locally as a styptic. 
Dose, of the powder, 5ss-j, three times a day. An infusion 
(not officinal) may be made by dissolving a troyounce in a pint 
of boiling water — dose, a wineglassful ; of the fluid extract, the 
dose is f5ss-j. 

PAREIRA — PAREIRA BRAVA. 

Pareira Brava is stated by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia to be 
the ROOT of Cissampelos Pareira (Nat. Ord. Menispermacese), 
a climbing plant of the West Indies and South America; but 
it is more probably the root of Chondodendron tomentosum 
or Cocculus chondodendron, a native of Brazil. It comes to us 
in large, wrinkled, twisted, or forked, cylindrical pieces, of 
variable thickness and length, covered with a thin, grayish- 
brown bark. The interior is ligneous, yellowish, porous, in- 
odorous, and of a sweetish, nauseous, bitter taste. It imparts 
its virtues to water, and contains a bitter alkaline principle, 
termed cissampelina (C 18 H 21 N0 3 ), resin, fecula, &c. The stem 
is sometimes found in the shops mixed with the root ; it is 
inert. 

Effects and Uses. — Pareira Brava is an excellent remedy in 
chronic diseases of the urinary passages, particularly chronic 
inflammation or irritation of the bladder, with morbid secretion. 
It is thought to be also tonic, aperient, and diuretic. Dose, 
in substance, 5ss to 5j. But it is more conveniently given in 
infusion (a troyounce to boiling water Oj), dose, f5i-ij ; the 
fluid extract is much used — dose from half a fluidrachm to a 
fluidrachm.* 

* A good prescription, in irritable bladder, is Fluid Ex. Pareira Brava, 
fSji, Cd. Spirit of Juniper, f^ij, Benzoic Acid, gi, Sulphate of Morphia, gr. i — 
dose, a teaspoonful three times a day. 



312 MATERIA MEDICA. 

BUCIIU. 

This is the name given to the leaves of Barosma crenata 
and other species of Barosma (Nat. Ord. Butacese), shrubby 
plants, growing at the Cape of Good Hope. As found in the 
shops, buchu leaves are from three-quarters of an inch to an 
inch and a half long, from three to five lines broad, elliptical, 
lanceolate-ovate or obovate, sometimes pointed, sometimes 
blunt, notched and glandular at the edges, and of a green 
colour, paler on the under surface. Three varieties are known, 
viz. : short or round buchu (derived from B. crenata), medium- 
sized (from B. crenulata), and long buchu (from B. serratifolia). 
They have a strong, aromatic odour, and a bitterish taste, like 
that of mint. Water and alcohol extract their virtues, which 
depend on a volatile oil and bitter extractive. 

Effects and Uses. — Buchu is a gentle stimulant to the secre- 
tions generally, particularly to the kidneys and urinary mucous 
membranes ; it may be made to act also as a diaphoretic. It 
is employed in chronic catarrh of the urethra and bladder, 
nephritic complaints, retention or incontinence of urine — as a 
diuretic in dropsies — and as a diaphoretic in rheumatic and 
cutaneous complaints. Dose, of the powder, gr. xx-xxx; of 
the infusion (a troyounce to boiling water Oj), f5i-iv ; of the 
fluid extract (f5ss-f5j). 

M Y R R H A — MYRRH. 

Myrrh is a gum-resinous exudation from Balsamodendron 
Myrrha (Nat. Ord. Amyridaceae), a small shrubby tree of 
Arabia Felix and Africa ; B. Ehrenbergianum is thought to 
be also a source of myrrh, and most of the myrrh of commerce 
is probably derived from the eastern coast of Africa. The 
juice exudes spontaneously and concretes upon the bark. It 
is imported from Bombay, and occurs in small, semi-transpa- 
rent, reddish-yellow fragments or tears — sometimes agglutinated 
together in large masses — of irregular shape and size, an agreea- 
ble, peculiar odour, and a bitter, aromatic taste. It is brittle 



BENZOIN. 313 

and pulverizable, has a resinous fracture, and makes a light- 
yellowish powder. Inferior kinds of myrrh are darker and 
less translucent and odorous. Myrrh is a gum-resin (the resin 
being termed myrrhic acid), containing also a little volatile oil. 
It forms with water an emulsion, and is soluble in alcohol and 
ether. 

Effects and Uses. — Myrrh is a stimulant expectorant and 
emmenagogue. It is prescribed in chronic catarrhal and asth- 
matic affections, in which a combined corroborant and expecto- 
rant effect is desirable; and also in chlorosis, amenorrhcea, 
&c. Chalybeates and aloes are frequently united with it in 
uterine affections. Locally, it is a good application to spongy 
gums, aphthous sore mouth, &c. 

Administration. — Dose, gr. x to 5ss, in powder or pill, or 
suspended in water, as in Mistura Ferri Composita (see p. 147). 
The tincture (three troyounces to alcohol Oij) is chiefly em- 
ployed externally — dose, internally, f5ss to f5j. Pills of Aloes 
and Myrrh, Compound Gfalbanum Pills, and Compound Iron 
Pills, are officinal emmenagogue preparations of myrrh. 

BENZOINUM — BENZOIN. 

Benzoin is a solid balsam obtained from Styrax Benzoin, 
or Benjamin Tree (Nat Ord. Styracese), a tall tree of Sumatra, 
Java, Borneo, and Siam. It is obtained by incisions in the 
bark, from which it readily exudes, afterwards hardening by 
exposure to the sun and air. Two kinds are known, the more 
valuable consisting chiefly of whitish tears, united by a reddish- 
brown connecting medium, and called henzoe amygdaloides, the 
other of brown or blackish lumps, without tears, known as 
henzoe in sortis {benzoin in sorts). Benzoin has a fragrant 
odour, a feeble, slightly aromatic taste, is soluble in alcohol 
and ether, and is precipitated from its alcoholic solution by 
water. Its chief constituents are resin and benzoic acid, 
which places it among the balsams ; it contains also a trace of 
extractive and of volatile oil ; and sometimes cinnamic acid. 

Effects and Uses. — Benzoin is a topical irritant, and, after 



lU4 MATERIA MEDICA. 

absorption, stimulates the mucous passages, especially the 
aerian membranes. It resembles myrrh in its effects, but is 
rather more acrid and stimulating. It is adapted to chronic 
bronchial affections, but is seldom employed alone. As a 
fumigation in chronic laryngitis, it has been recommended 
by Trousseau and Pidoux. Dose, gr. x to 5ss. The tincture 
of benzoin (6 troyounces to alcohol 2 pints), and the compound 
tincture (containing benzoin 3 troyounces, aloes half a troy- 
ounce, storax 2 troyounces, balsam of Tolu a troyounce, dis- 
solved in alcohol 2 pints), are used as stimulating expectorants 
and in bowel complaints — dose, f5ss to f5ij- Ointment of 
benzoin is made by adding 2 fluidounces of the tincture to 16 
troyounces of melted lard, and evaporating off the alcohol ; as 
benzoin has the property of obviating the rancidity to which 
lard is liable, this is a very useful vehicle for medicated oint- 
ments. Benzoin is much used in fumigating pastilles. 

Acidum Benzoicum {Benzoic Acid) (HC r H 5 2 ), is obtained 
from benzoin by sublimation, or by the action of alkalies ; it 
is also made in Germany from hippuric acid. As obtained by 
sublimation, it occurs in white, soft, feathery, hexagonal crys- 
tals, of a silky lustre, and not pulverulent. It has more or less 
of the agreeable odour of the balsam, a warm, acrid, and 
acidulous taste, is inflammable, sparingly soluble in cold water, 
rather soluble in boiling water, but perfectly soluble in alcohol, 
alkaline solutions, and fixed oils. It is a constituent of the 
balsams. 

Effects and Uses. — Benzoic acid is a local irritant, acting on 
the general system as a stimulant, with a particular direction 
to the mucous surfaces. Dose, gr. x. In its passage through 
the system, it abstracts nitrogen from the elements of urea, 
and passes out with the urine in the form of hippuric acid ; 
hence its use in ursemic poisoning, also in the treatment of 
ammoniacal urine. 

Ammonii Benzoas (Benzoate of Ammonium) (NH 4 C 7 H 5 2 ), 
is made by adding water of ammonia to an aqueous solution 
of benzoic acid, and occurs in the form of minute, white, 
shining, thin, four-sided, laminar crystals, with a slight odour 



BALSAM OF PERU. 315 

of benzoic acid, and a bitterish, saline, somewhat balsamic taste, 
and slightly acrid, but persistent aftertaste. It is soluble in 
water and alcohol, and, when heated, sublimes without residue. 
It is incompatible with the ferric salts. This salt, when 
taken internally, is probably decomposed by the gastric acids, 
and produces the constitutional effects of benzoic acid, for 
which it may be substituted ; the ammonia renders it stimulant 
and antacid, and acceptable to irritable stomachs, — dose, 10 to 
20 grains. 

STYRAX — ST RAX. 

Storax is a balsam, prepared from the bark of Liquidam- 
bar orientale (Nat. Orel. Styraceae), a native of Asia Minor. 
It is obtained by steaming the bruised bark and then express- 
ing it, and occurs in yellowish or brownish lumps, light and 
friable, yet more or less tenacious, of a fragrant odour and a 
warm taste. It contains a volatile oil, termed styrol (C 8 H 8 ), resin, 
with cinnamic acid, and is therefore a balsam. Alcohol and 
ether are its proper solvents. It is almost always more or less 
adulterated. 

Effects and Uses. — It is used as a stimulant expectorant, 
chiefly in the compound tincture of benzoin, — dose, gr. x-xx. 



BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM — BALSAM OF PERU. 

Balsam of Peru is an empyreumatic liquid balsam, obtained 
from Myrospermum Peruiferum (Nat. Orel. Leguminosge), a 
tree of Central America. Myroxylon Pereiras has more re- 
cently been described as the source of this balsam. It is 
obtained from incisions in the bark, and is collected on rags 
inserted in the openings, which are afterwards boiled in water, 
when the balsam settles at the bottom, and the water is poured 
off. A white balsam, obtained from the fruit of this tree by 
expression, and a tincture of the fruit in rum, are also known in 
Central America. Balsam of Peru has the consistence of 
honey, a dark, reddish-brown colour, a pleasant smell, a warm, 



316 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

bitterish, acrid taste, and is soluble in alcohol, and partially so 
in boiling water. It is heavier than water. Its constituents 
are resin, essential oil, and cinnamic acid. 

ects and Uses. — It is a stimulating blennorrhetic and tonic, 
occasionally employed in chronic catarrhs, asthma, gonorrhoea, 
leucorrhoea, &c, but not much used in this country. Exter- 
nally, it is applied to indolent ulcers. Dose, f5ss, in emulsion. 

BALSAM UM TOLUTANUM — BALSAM OF TOLL. 

Balsam of Tolu is a semi-liquid balsam obtained from 
Myrospermum Toluiferum [Nat. Ord. Leguminosae), a tree of 
the neighbourhood of Carthagena. It is procured from incisions 
in the trunk of the tree, and concretes in the vessels in which 
it is received. It has a soft, tenacious consistence, varying 
with the temperature, and by age becomes hard and resin-like. 
It is shining, translucent, of a reddish-brown colour, a fragrant 
odour, and a warm, sweetish, pungent taste. It is inflammable, 
entirely soluble in alcohol and essential oils, and, like the other 
balsams, yields its acicl to boiling water. Its ingredients are 
resin, volatile oil, and cinnamic acid. 

Effects and Uses. — It is a stimulant blennorrhetic and tonic, 
useful in chronic catarrhal affections, and, from its agreeable 
flavour, much employed as an ingredient of cough mixtures. 
The vapour of an ethereal solution of this balsam is inhaled 
with advantage for the relief of cough. Dose, gr. x-xxx, in 
emulsion, frequently repeated. The tincture {tinctura Tolutana), 
(three troyounces to alcohol Oij), is added to cough mixtures; 
dose, f5i-f5\j- The syrup (syrupus Tolutanus), (made by rubbing 
2 fluidounces of tincture of Tolu with 120 grains of carbonate 
of magnesium, 2 troyounces of sugar, and a pint of water, 
filtering, and in the filtered liquid dissolving 24 troyounces of 
sugar at a gentle heat), is used as a vehicle for other medicines. 
Balsam of Tolu is an ingredient of the compound tincture of 
benzoin. 

The following gum-resins, previously noticed among anti- 
spasmodics, are employed as expectorants : 



EMMENAGOGUES. 317 

Asafcetida (Asafetida). (See p. 105.) 
Ammoniacum (Ammoniac). (See p. 107.) 
G-albanum. (See p. 107.) 

ORDER VI. — EMMENAGOGUES. 

Emmenagogues (from e/u^via, the catamenia, and ayayoc, ex- 
citing), are medicines which promote the menstrual discharge. 
This discharge may be suppressed from various causes, and, 
hence, very opposite classes of remedies are employed to restore 
it. Thus, when amenorrhoea depends on anamiia, the prepa- 
rations of iron are the most effectual emmenagogues ; on the 
other hand, when it occurs in connection with plethora, blood- 
letting and evacuants are resorted to. There are probably 
no articles which exert any specific influence upon the cata- 
menia, as the discharge from the uterus is not one of the 
excretions through which medicinal agents pass out of the sys- 
tem. Medicines, however, which excite the pelvic circulation, 
and stimulate the organs in the neighbourhood of the uterus, 
have a tendency to increase or excite the menstrual discharge. 
They are — 

1. The drastic cathartics, as Aloes (p. 262), Black Helle- 
bore (p. 272), &c. 

2. Many of the stimulating diuretics, particularly Cantha- 
rides (p. 297). 

3. Some of the blennorrhetics, particularly Seneka (p. 299). 

4. Guaiacum (p. 282), usually classed with the diaphoretics. 
Indirectly, the menstrual discharge is frequently promoted 

by- 

1. Chalybeates, which are the best emmenagogues in chlo- 
rotic and anaemic cases. 

2. Mercurials, which prove emmenagogue from their influ- 
ence in exciting the secretions generally. 

The following articles are employed exclusively as emmena- 
gogues : 



318 MATERIA MEDICA. 

SABINA — SAVINE. 

Savine is the tops of Juniperus Sabina {Nat. Ord. Pinacese), 
a small, evergreen, bushy shrub of the south of Europe. They 
resemble closely the tops of Juniperus Virginiana, the indige- 
nous Red Cedar, which are sometimes substituted for savine in 
the shops. The latter has a greenish colour, a strong, peculiar, 
heavy odour, and a bitter, nauseous, resinous taste. Its vir- 
tues depend on a volatile oil, which is officinal. 

Physiological Effects. — Savine is a local irritant. Taken 
internally, in medicinal doses, it stimulates the circulation and 
secretions, with a very decided action on the uterus. In large 
doses, it will cause vomiting, purging, abdominal pain, sup- 
pressed or bloody urine, with symptoms of nervous depression, 
as shown in unconsciousness, stertorous breathing, perhaps 
convulsions, and death, usually from collapse ; fatal results have 
sometimes occurred from its use to provoke premature labour. 

Medicinal Uses. — Savine is employed internally, almost ex- 
clusively as an emmenagogue, and is considered one of the best 
medicines that can be used to stimulate the action of the ute- 
rine vessels. Pereira pronounces it " the most certain and 
powerful emmenagogue of the whole Materia Medica." It has 
also been recommended in chronic rheumatism, and as an an- 
thelmintic. Topically, it is used to keep up the discharge from 
blisters, to destroy warts, &c. Dose, in powder, gr. v-x ; but 
it loses much of its oil by drying ; of the fluid extract, the dose 
is TT^v-x. Ceratum Sabinas (three parts of fluid extract added 
to twelve parts of resin cerate) is used to make perpetual 
blisters. 

Oleum Sabine (Oil of Savine) (C 10 H 16 ), is the preparation 
principally used internally. Dose, gtt. v-x. 

Ruta (Rue). The leaves of Ruta graveolens (Nat Ord. 
Rutacese) a perennial European plant, are ranked among em- 
menagogues, and are used, popularly, to provoke abortion. 
Their action is similar to that of savine, than which, however, 



MADDER. 319 

they are less powerful. Dose, gr. xv-xxx, two or three times 
a day. Of the oil [oleum rutce), the dose is gtt. ij-v. 

Rubia (Madder). The root of Rubia tinctorum, or Dyers 
Madder (Nat. Ord. Rubiacese), a European plant, is occasion- 
ally employed as an emmenagogue. Dose, 5ss, three or four 
times a day. 



320 MATERIA MEDICA. 

CLASS III. — HAEMATICS. 

ORDER I. — IWEMATINICS. 

This order (from a^artva, the red colouring matter of the 
blood), includes only the Preparations of Iron, or Chaly- 
beates. The chalybeates increase the number of blood-cor- 
puscles, or the amount of haematin in the blood, and are em- 
ployed therapeutically in diseases dependent on a deficiency of 
these elements. They belong eminently to hcematies (or medi- 
cines which occasion changes in the condition of the blood) ; 
but, as they possess also general and local tonic effects, inde- 
pendent of their action on the blood, they have been classed 
and treated of among the mineral tonics (see p. 144). 

ORDER II. — ALTERATIVES. 

Alteratives may be defined to be medicines which produce 
such a modification of the nutritive processes as enables the 
vital principle to restore healthy action, in morbid conditions of 
the system. Their effects are chiefly owing to a correcting in- 
fluence on the quality of the circulating fluid. Thus, in in- 
flammations, they diminish the abnormal quantity of fibrin in 
the blood, render its red corpuscles less disposed to aggregation, 
and decrease the number and adhesiveness of its white globules. 
In part, also, their curative operation is of a substitutive cha- 
racter, by setting up an antagonistic action, which takes the 
place of diseased action in the system. 

Under the influence of alteratives, the secretions and ex- 
halations are increased, the textures softened, inflammatory 
action is arrested, and morbid growths and deposits are 
absorbed. The exudation of plastic or coagulable lymph is 
checked, and, as a consequence, also the formation of false 
membranes. Visceral and glandular enlargements and indu- 
rations are diminished and often disappear, and phlegmonous 
inflammation, of every kind, is opposed. 

If pushed too far, the alteratives soften and even destroy 



PREPARATIONS OF MERCURY. * 321 

the textures, impoverish the blood so as to interfere with the 
functions of nutrition, and produce a condition of marasmus 
and cachexia. 

Their principal therapeutic employment is as antiphlogistic s 
or resolvents. The mercurials are chiefly employed in acute 
inflammations, — the preparations of iodine in chronic inflam- 
mations. In the treatment of acute inflammatory affections, 
mercurials are among the most important of our resources — 
especially in such as have a tendency to terminate in effusions 
of coagulable lymph. The iodic and bromic preparations are 
adapted to inflammations of a chronic character, and are par- 
ticularly serviceable in indurations or enlargements of glands 
and organs, and in affections of the bones and fibrous tissues. 

By their substitutive or antagonistic action, alteratives are 
highly efficacious in the treatment of many diseases. In this 
way, syphilis is cured by the use of mercury, and intermittent 
fever by the use of arsenious acid. 

Owing to the injurious results which follow the prolonged 
exhibition of alteratives, they are to be administered with 
caution, and their effects closely watched. 

HYDRARGYRI PR^PARAT A — P REPARATIONS OF 
MERCURY. 

Metallic mercury or quicksilver is obtained principally from 
the sulphuret (native cinnabar). The chief supply of quicksilver 
was long derived from Spain and Austria, but the markets of 
the United States are now furnished from New Almaden, in 
California. Mercury is an odourless, tasteless, volatile liquid 
metal, of a whitish colour. Its equivalent number is 200 ; its 
symbol is Hg. 

While it retains the liquid metallic state, mercury is inert; 
but, when taken internally, it sometimes combines with oxygen 
in the alimentary canal, and thus becomes active. In the state 
of vapour, it frequently proves injurious — in some instances 
exciting salivation, ulceration of the mouth, &c. ; in others, in- 
ducing a peculiar affection of the nervous system, termed 

21 



•V-J MATERIA MEDICA. 

shaking palsy [tremor merevrialis), which is often attended with 
loss of memory, vertigo, and other evidences of cerebral disturb- 
ance, and sometimes terminates fatally. Workmen in quick- 
silver are liable to this affection. It is supposed by some chem- 
ists that the activity of mercurial emanations is owing to the 
oxidation of the metal, before it is inhaled; by others, that, in 
the finely-divided state in which it exists as a vapour, it is in 
itself poisonous. 

All the compounds of mercury possess activity. Some of 
them are violent caustic poisons; all of them are more or less 
irritant. When the mercurials are taken internally, their 
effects vary with the quantity administered. ]n small and re- 
peated doses, their influence is first shown in an increase of the 
activity of the secernents and exhalants. The cutaneous, mu- 
cous, biliary, salivary, urinary, and probably also the pancreatic 
secretions, are all increased in amount, and, at the same time, 
the absorbent system becomes more active, so that accumula- 
tions of fluids, morbid enlargements, indurations, &c, will 
often disappear. 

Lately, the cholagogue action of mercurials has been denied, 
from the results of experiments upon animals, in whom, after 
the establishment of external fistulous orifices connecting with 
the gall-bladder, the administration of mercurials has been 
found not to increase the amount of the biliary secretion. 
Such experiments, however, involving the severance of nume- 
rous nerve-branches, leading to and from the liver, can settle 
nothing as to an action upon the biliary secretion, which, like 
all other secretory operations, is dependent upon proper inner- 
vation. 

When mercury is given in larger doses, these effects are more 
intense. The mucous membrane of the mouth and the salivary 
glands not only take on increased secretory action, but become 
irritated and inflamed. The gums first show the mercurial 
influence, and are tender and tumefied; the whole mouth soon 
becomes sore ; the tongue is swollen ; and the saliva and buccal 
mucus flow abundantly, sometimes to the extent of several 
pints a day. At the same time, the breath acquires a peculiar 



PREPARATIONS OF MERCURY. 323 

fetidity, and the patient perceives a metallic taste in the mouth. 
The resolvent action of mercury is now still more obvious than 
when its impression is milder, and considerable emaciation 
usually ensues, from the absorption of fat. These effects, 
which are termed sialagogue (from the excessive flow of saliva), 
are commonly produced for the cure of diseases, and, as a 
general rule, gradually subside, leaving the health unimpaired. 
When, however, the use of mercury is pushed too far, or it is 
administered to persons peculiarly susceptible of its action, a 
train of very serious symptoms ensues — as excessive salivation, 
ulceration of the mouth, sloughing of the gums, loosening of 
the teeth, and, occasionally, necrosis of the alveolar processes. 
A peculiar febrile condition, called mercurial fever, diarrhoea, 
skin-diseases, neuralgia, rheumatism, disorder of the nervous 
system, and marasmus, are other symptoms which are fre- 
quently noticed after the abuse of mercury. 

After its absorption, mercury produces several important 
changes in the quality of the blood. Immediately upon the 
establishment of salivation, the blood exhibits an inflammatory 
crust ; but, at a later period, it loses colour, consistence, and 
coagulability, and the proportion of fibrin to serum becomes 
diminished. This anaplastic action on the blood renders mer- 
curials valuable as antiphlogistic remedies. 

Medicinal Uses. — Liquid metallic mercury was formerly 
administered to remove mechanical obstructions of the bowels, 
but its use has been abandoned. The preparations of mercury 
are employed therapeutically with various objects. 

1. As indirect tonics and cliolagogues, — with a view to their 
action on the secretions, — in dyspepsia and constipation, accom- 
panied with torpor of the liver, in gout, rheumatism, chronic 
skin diseases, &c. Blue pill, mercury with chalk, and calomel, 
are employed with this view ; the two former are preferred as 
least irritating. 

2. As sialagogues. The chief value of mercurials is shown 
when a full impression is made on the system, as evidenced by 
salivation. This condition is usually established by the internal 
exhibition of mercurials, but it may also be produced by fric- 



324 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

Hon or by fumigation. In putting the system under the influ- 
ence of mercury, it is not necessary to excite a high degree of 
ptyalism, though, in chronic diseases, it is often proper to keep 
up the effect for some time. During the maintenance of ptyal- 
ism. the patient should use warm clothing, avoid exposure to 
cold, and take light and nourishing food. If excessive dis- 
charge or ulceration occur, astringent gargles, as brandy and 
water, solutions of chlorinated soda or lime, alum, &c. may be 
employed. In cases of sloughing sores, nitrate of silver or the 
mineral acids should be applied. Gastro-enteric irritation is to 
be treated with laxatives and opiates. The mercurial cachexia 
requires change of air, generous diet, tonics, &c. When the 
system is contaminated with mercury, it may be eliminated by 
the use of iodide of potassium, which forms soluble compounds 
with the mercury retained in the economy. 

As sialagogues, mercurials are chiefly employed in inflam- 
mations, dysentery, cholera, dropsies, and syphilis. It is in 
inflammations that the value of mercurials is most conspicuous. 
After depletion, the mercurial preparations, from their anti- 
plastic action on the blood, are probably the most efficacious 
means at our command for the relief of internal inflammations. 
They are most useful in inflammations of serous tissues, especi- 
ally where these are connected with the exudation of coagulable 
lymph, and also where there is a tendency to the formation of 
false membrane, as in plastic croup; in iritis, a mercurial 
impression is considered indispensable by ophthalmologists. In 
scrofulous, malignant, or gangrenous inflammations, mercury 
is objectionable. In dysentery and cholera, mercurials are 
highly valuable remedies, and enter into nearly all the varieties 
of treatment adopted in these diseases. In syphilitic diseases, 
mercury has long been regarded as the only reliable anti- 
syphilitic agent. It has no direct curative influence on the 
primary symptoms ; but, after the system has been contami- 
nated with the syphilitic virus, mercury is the most certain 
and rapid means of destroying it. Wherever the hard chancre, 
with distinct induration (which is always indicative of consti- 
tutional taint), is present, mercurials should invariably be 



PREPARATIONS OF MERCURY. 325 

administered ; and, in the treatment of secondary and of heredi- 
tary syphilis, a mercurial course is an indispensable preliminary 
to other anti-syphilitic medicines. In hepatic and inflammatory 
dropsies, mercurials are employed with advantage, with a view 
to their action both on the secretions and absorbents. Where 
much debility exists, however, and in granular disease of the 
kidneys, mercurials are objectionable. The preparations of 
mercury have been exhibited as sialagogues in many other 
diseases, as paralysis, colica pictonum, rheumatism, chronic 
visceral diseases, particularly of the lungs and liver, &c. In 
both acute and chronic rheumatism, the author has found a 
gentle mercurial impression the most available treatment. 
Mercurials must be always considered as contraindicated in 
scrofulous or tuberculous subjects, in cases of malignant dis- 
ease, in extensive suppuration, marasmus, Bright's disease of 
the kidneys, &c. 

Blue pill and calomel are the sialagogues principally resorted 
to ; but other preparations, as the iodides, are employed in 
syphilis. In administering mercurials, for their sialagogue 
action, we sometimes observe a cumulative effect: they may be 
exhibited, particularly to children, for some time without re- 
sult, when suddenly the most violent symptoms of mercurial 
saturation will be developed. 

3. As purgatives. The employment of calomel, blue pill, 
and mercury with chalk, as cathartics and anthelmintics, has 
been previously noticed (see p. 276). 

The following are the preparations of mercury which are 
employed medicinally : 

1. Metallic Mercury. When intimately mixed with pul- 
verulent or fatty bodies, mercury loses its liquid character — is 
said to be hilled, extinguished, or mortified — and acquires 
medicinal activity. Its activity is probably owing to its reduc- 
tion to a state of minute division, which enables it to enter into 
combinations in the stomach. The officinal preparations of 
metallic mercury are : Pilulce Hydrargyri (Pills of Mercury), 
Unguentum Hydrargyri (Mercurial Ointment), Emplastrum 



326 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hydrargyri [Mercurial Plaster), Hydrargyrum cum Qretd 
[Mercury with Chalk). 

2. Oxides. — Hydrargyri O.ridum Nigrum (Black Oxide 
of Mercury), Hydrargyri Oxidum Flauum (Yellow Oxide of 
Mercury), Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum (Red Oxide of Mer- 
cury). 

3. Chlorides. — Hydrargyri Qhloridum Mite {Mild Chlo- 
ride of Mercury, or Calomel), Hydrargyri Qhloridum Corro- 
sivum (Corrosive Chloride of Mercury, or Corrosive Subli- 
mate). 

4. Iodides. — Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride (G-reen Iodide 
of Mercury), Hydrargyri Iodidum Rubrum (Red Iodide of 
Mercury). 

5. Hydrargyri Cyanidum (Cyanide of Mercury). 

6. Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum (Ammoniated Mercury). 

7. Hydrargyri Sulphas Flava (Yellow Sulphate of Mer- 
cury). 

8. Hydrargyri Sulphur etum Rubrum (Rid Sulphur et of 
Mercury). 

9. Nitrates. — Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis (Ointment 
of Nitrate of Mercury), Liquor Hydrargyri Nitratis (Solution 
of Nitrate of Mercury). 

Pilule Hydrargyri (Pills of Mercury). This preparation, 
generally known as Blue Pills, is made by rubbing mercury 
(384 grains), with confection of rose (576 grains), till all the 
globules disappear ; then adding powdered liquorice root (192 
grains), beating the whole into a mass, and dividing into 384 
pills. The trituration is now generally effected by machinery 
— usually by steam power. It is a soft, dark blue mass, of a 
convenient consistence for making into pills. The mercury is 
in a state of minute division, and is chemically unaltered, 
though, perhaps, a very small portion of it is in a state of 
oxidation. Each pill contains three grains of the pilular mass 
and one grain of mercury. The preparation changes colour 
from being kept, becoming of an olive and even reddish tint, in 
consequence of the further oxidation of the metal. As it is 



PREPARATIONS OF MERCURY. 327 

often adulterated, it is important that it should be purchased of 
a reliable house. 

Effects and Uses. — In full doses (gr. v-xv), blue pill acts as 
a laxative ; when given for this purpose, it is usually followed 
in a few hours by a saline cathartic. In doses of gr. i-ij-iij, 
repeated at proper intervals, it is employed as an alterative or 
sialagogue, and is the favourite preparation for exciting saliva- 
tion in chronic affections. When it moves the bowels, opium 
is combined with it. It may be pleasantly given suspended in 
mucilage or syrup. 

Uxg-uentum Hybrargyrt (Mercurial Ointment) (called also 
Blue Ointment), is made by rubbing two parts of mercury with 
one part of suet and lard each, until the globules disappear. 
It is an unctuous, fatty body, of a bluish-gray colour, consisting 
of equal weights of fatty matter and finely divided mercury. 
A very small portion of protoxide is, perhaps, present, and, as 
the ointment becomes darker by age, a further oxidation of the 
mercury probably takes place. 

Effects and Uses. — Mercurial ointment, when either swal- 
lowed or rubbed into the integuments, produces the constitu- 
tional effects of mercury ; locally, it has but little irritant 
effect. It is scarcely ever used internally in the United States 
or Great Britain, though in France it is highly esteemed as a 
sialagogue, in the dose of gr. ij, repeated. Externally, it 
is used to mercurialize the system by friction, or applied to 
blistered surfaces ; to disperse non-malignant tumours ; as a 
dressing to syphilitic sores ; to destroy pediculi ; and to pre- 
vent suppuration and pitting in small-pox. 

Emplastrum Hydrargyri {Mercurial Plaster), is made by 
rubbing 6 troyounces of mercury with 2 troyounces of olive oil 
and resin each, previously melted together, till the globules dis- 
appear ; and then adding 12 troyounces of melted lead-plaster. 
It is used as a discutient of venereal and other enlargements, 
to prevent pitting in small-pox, &c, and is applied to the side 
in chronic hepatitis; it may induce salivation. The plaster of 
ammoniac with mercury {emplastrum ammoniaci cum liydrar- 
gyro), is made by mixing with heat 60 grains of olive oil with 



328 MATERIA MEDICA. 

8 grains of sublimed sulphur, then adding 8 troyounces of 
mercury, and to this mixture adding 12 troyounces of ammo- 
niac, previously boiled with a little water, and strained ; it is 
more stimulating than the fore°;oin2;. 

Hydrargyrum cum Orbta (Mercury with Chalk) (called 
also Gray Powder), is prepared by rubbing three parts of 
mercury with five parts of prepared chalk, till all the globules 
disappear. It is a grayish powder, containing mercury, chiefly 
in a state of minute division. In full doses, it is a gentle laxa- 
tive, milder even thai blue pill; in smaller doses, it is an ex- 
cellent alterative ; and the chalk renders it antacid. It is 
chiefly employed as an alterative in infantile cases. Dose, for 
adults, gr. v-xx ; for children, gr. ij or iij to gr. viij or x, in 
powder, and not in pills, as in the latter form the mercury 
becomes squeezed out of the chalk. The chlorides and nitro- 
muriatic acid are incompatible with all the metallic prepara- 
tions of mercury. 

Hydrargyri Oxidum Nigrum (Black Oxide of Mercury). 
This preparation, although discarded from the Pharmacopoeia, 
has still claims to notice. It is obtained by agitating calomel 
(mercurous chloride) in a solution of potassa ; chloride of 
potassium is formed in solution, and mercurous oxide (Hg 2 0) 
precipitates. As first prepared, it is a greenish-black powder ; 
but, on exposure to light or heat, it is converted into a mix- 
ture of metallic mercury and mercuric oxide, and becomes 
olive-coloured. It is odourless, tasteless, insoluble in water, 
but soluble in nitric and acetic acids. Its effects are alterative, 
sialagogue, and purgative, and it is one of the least irritating 
of the mercurial preparations — but it is little used internally, 
on account of the uncertainty of its composition. Dose, gr. \ 
to gr. i— ij, in pill. Externally, it has been employed as a 
fumigating agent ; also, as an application to chancres and 
other sores, suspended in a weak solution of chloride of cal- 
cium, under the name of black wash (made extemporaneously 
by adding calomel 5j to solution of lime Oj). 

Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum (Red Oxide of Mercury). 
This is mercuric oxide (HgO). It is usually made by dis- 



PREPARATIONS OF MERCURY. 329 

solving mercury in diluted nitric acid, with a gentle heat, by 
which mercuric nitrate is formed ; and the nitric acid is after- 
wards decomposed and driven off by calcination. The red 
oxide of mercury, which is commonly called red precipitate, 
occurs in small, shining scales, of a brilliant red colour, with a 
shade of orange. It has an acrid taste, and is nearly insoluble 
in water. Its effects are those of a powerful irritant, and, 
when taken internally, even in small doses, it excites vomiting 
and purging — in large doses, gastro-enteritis. It is rarely or 
never used internally, (dose, gr. yg-J) ; externally, it is ap- 
plied as an escharotic, either in powder or ointment, to chancres, 
indolent ulcers, &c. Unguentum liydrargyri oxidi ruhri (oint- 
ment of red oxide of mercury), consists of one part of red 
oxide mixed with seven parts of ointment : it is a very useful 
stimulating ointment in indolent ulcers, porrigo, ophthalmia, &c. 
Hydrargyri Oxidum Flavum (Yellow Oxide of Mercury), 
is made by mixing a solution of corrosive sublimate with solu- 
tion of potassa ; chloride of calcium is formed in solution, and 
mercuric oxide (HgO) is precipitated as an orange-yellow 
powder, which, on being heated, assumes a red colour. It is 
without odour, of an acrid taste, is very slightly soluble in 
water, and is insoluble in cold alcohol and ether. This prepa- 
ration has been recently introduced into the Pharmacopoeia, 
and is now preferred for some purposes to the red oxide, owing 
to its greater purity, and, especially, to its occurring in the form 
of a completely amorphous poivder, exhibiting no evidence of 
crystalline particles, even under the microscope. This gives it 
a superiority, as a local application to the conjunctiva in dis- 
eases of the eye, over the red oxide, which, from the crystalline 
character of its particles, causes more or less irritation. Un- 
guentum hydrargyri oxidi flavi (ointment of yellow oxide of 
mercury), consists of one part of yellow oxide mixed with 
seven parts of ointment. Yellow wash (a favourite application 
to phagedoenic venereal ulcers), consists of the yellow oxide of 
mercury suspended in a weak solution of chloride of calcium, 
and is made by adding half a drachm of corrosive sublimate to 
a pint of solution of lime. 



66V MATERIA MEDICA. 

Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite [Mild Chloride of Mercury). 
This preparation (mercurous chloride), well known as Calomel, 
(HgCl) is made by subliming a mixture of mercurous sulphate 
and chloride of sodium (common salt) ; a double decomposition 
takes place, by which mercurous chloride and sulphate of sodium 
are formed. The mercurous sulphate is previously obtained by 
boiling mercury in sulphuric acid, and afterwards triturating 
the resulting mercuric sulphate with mercury. Calomel, as 
thus procured in mass, is liable to contain a little corrosive 
sublimate. It should be reduced to powder, and washed 
repeatedly with boiling distilled water, until the absence of a 
white precipitate with ammonia shows that the corrosive subli- 
mate has been removed. With a view of obtaining calomel in 
a state of very minute division, its vapour is condensed in a 
receiving vessel filled with steam, whereby it takes the form of 
a very fine powder, and is perfectly free from corrosive subli- 
mate. The calomel thus prepared (known as Jewell's or 
Howard's calomel) is finer and more active than can be obtained 
by levigation and elutriation. 

Calomel, as usually manufactured by sublimation, is in the 
form of white, fibrous, crystalline cakes. It may be obtained 
in the shape of quadrangular, prismatic crystals. As found in 
the shops, it is a light-buff or ivory-coloured powder, tasteless, 
inodorous, insoluble in water, alcohol, and ether, unalterable in 
the air, but blackening by long exposure to light. It should 
be kept in bottles painted black or covered with black paper. 
Jewell's calomel is a perfectly white powder. When 'pure, calo- 
mel is completely vaporizable by heat; it strikes a black 
colour free from reddish tinge, with solutions of the fixed 
alkalies; and should not, when digested with water, form a 
white precipitate with ammonia, unless it contain corrosive 
sublimate. 

Incompatibles. — The alkalies, alkaline earths, alkaline car- 
bonates, soaps, and hydrosulphates, are incompatible with calo- 
mel. Nitro-muriatic acid should not be prescribed with it, for 
fear of generating corrosive sublimate. Preparations contain- 
ing hydrocyanic acid, the chlorides of ammonium, sodium, and 



PREPARATIONS OF MERCURY. 331 

potassium, produce the same change. It is asserted that calo- 
mel is converted into corrosive sublimate in the stomach by the 
muriatic acid which it encounters, but there are many reasons 
for rejecting this hypothesis. 

Effects and Uses. — Calomel produces the effects of the mer- 
curials already described, and, in purgative doses, proves also a 
valuable anthelmintic. From the certainty and mildness of its 
operation, it is more employed than any of the other prepara- 
tions of mercury, although blue pill, which, if less certain, is 
milder, is preferred under some circumstances. Calomel has 
been frequently taken in very large doses, without any bad 
effects ; but cases are recorded in which, in excessive quantity, 
it has acted as an irritant poison. As a purgative, it is em- 
ployed in doses of gr. vi-xij, in fevers, hepatitis, colica picto- 
num, dysentery, and many other affections ; as an anthelmintic, 
in the same doses ; and, in both cases, it is to be followed in a 
few hours by a saline draught, castor oil, or senna. Calomel 
is often given in combination with other cathartics, as jalap, 
rhubarb, aloes, scammony, colocynth, and gamboge. As an 
antiphlogistic, in inflammatory cases, calomel is given in doses 
of gr. \ to gr. j, every one, two, or three hours ; as an eccritic, 
in these doses, twice or thrice a day. In the dose of gr. j, 
frequently repeated, it is one of the best means of checking 
obstinate vomiting. It is frequently added to other medicines, 
to increase their action on the secretions, as diuretics, anti- 
monials, &c. To children, calomel may be given in propor- 
tionally larger doses than to adults, and it rarely salivates 
them. In infantile diarrhoea, very minute doses of calomel, as 
gr. Jg, y^, J-, every hour or two, are highly efficacious. Ex- 
ternally, calomel is applied in powder, as an errhine, in amau- 
rosis; and, made into an ointment (a drachm to a troyounce of 
lard), it is an excellent application in a variety of cutaneous 
affections. 

Hydrargyri Chloridum Corrosivum (Corrosive Chloride 
of Mercury). This is mercuric chloride, commonly called Cor- 
rosive Sublimate (HgCl 2 ). It is made by subliming a mixture 
of chloride of sodium and mercuric sulphate (which is previ- 



3 32 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

ously obtained by boiling mercury with sulphuric acid); double 
decomposition takes place, resulting in the formation of mer- 
curic chloride and sulphate of sodium. Corrosive sublimate 
occurs in the form of white, semi-transparent, crystalline masses, 
permanent in the air, inodorous, and of an acrid, styptic 
taste. It is soluble in 16 parts of cold water and ?> parts of 
boiling water, more soluble in alcohol, and still irore so in 
ether. The aqueous solution, when exposed to light, is decom- 
posed, with the precipitation of calomel and evolution of hydro- 
chloric acid. It is incompatible with many of the metals, the 
alkalies and their carbonates, soap, lime-solution, tartar emetic, 
nitrate of silver, the acetates of lead, the sulphides and iodides 
of potassium and sodium, the sulphides generally, syrup of sar- 
saparilla, and with many vegetable substances (as the bitters) 
and albuminous liquids (as milk, &c). The tests for detecting 
corrosive sublimate in solution are: 1. A solution of potassa, soda, 
or lime throws down a yellow precipitate; 2. Carbonate of potas- 
sium, a brick-red precipitate; 3. Ammonia, white ammoniated 
mercury; 4. Iodide of potassium, a bright scarlet-red iodide of 
mercury, readily soluble in excess of the precipitant ; 5. Proto- 
chloride of tin, in small amount, a white precipitate of calomel — 
in excess, a dark-gray precipitate of metallic mercury; 6. Sul- 
phuretted hydrogen, or a sulphide, in minute amount, pro- 
duces a whitish or gray precipitate, and, in large amount, a 
black sulphide ; 7. If the solution is acidulated with hydro- 
chloric acid, and bright copper-foil, wire, or gauze is plunged 
into it, the copper becomes coated with a silvery-white deposit 
of mercury — or a slip of gold-foil, wound round a slip of zinc- 
foil, may be introduced into the liquid, when it will become 
covered with a silvery film of metallic mercury, and, in both 
cases, the metal may be afterwards obtained by sublimation in 
the form of globules. 

Physiological Effects. — In medicinal doses, as gr. yVHp cor- 
rosive sublimate occasions a beneficial alterative effect, without 
any obvious activity. Its continued use may cause salivation, 
but it has less tendency to produce this result than any other 
preparation of mercury. Medicinal doses, if too large or too 



PREPARATIONS OF MERCURY. 333 

long continued, frequently produce gastro-enteric symptoms 
and the constitutional effects of mercury. In excessive doses, 
corrosive sublimate is a violent caustic poison, from its affinity 
for albumen, fibrin, and other constituents of the tissues. It 
acts very rapidly, producing the most intense gastro-enteritis, 
with violent vomiting and purging, abdominal pain and tender- 
ness, bloody stools, with death, from collapse, or, after a time, 
with convulsions and coma. The best antidote is albumen (in 
the form of white of eggs) ; or, if this is not attainable, gluten 
(in wheaten flour), or casein (in milk), may be substituted. The 
protosulphide of iron (if given immediately), and a mixture of 
iron filings (two parts) with gold dust (one part), also decom- 
pose corrosive sublimate. In case of poisoning, the stomach 
must be evacuated as soon as possible, and the after-treatment 
consists in the free use of demulcents, opiates, and topical 
depletion. 

Medicinal Uses. — Corrosive sublimate is chiefly used as an 
alterative in secondary syphilis, both by the stomach and by 
hypodermic injection ; also in cutaneous and rheumatic affec- 
tions, and as a sorbefacient in old dropsies; it is a good 
remedy, too, in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery with slimy and 
bloody discharges. Dose, gr. yg-J, three or four times a day, 
in pill or solution. It has been used in secondary syphilis, 
bypodermically : dose, gr. g 1 ^. Externally, it may be used as a 
caustic; a weak solution (gr. J-i-ij to water f§j) is much 
employed as a wash to ulcers, an injection in gleet, a collyrium, 
&c. An ointment (gr. J-i-ij to lard oj) is a good application 
in porrigo, tinea, eczema, pityriasis, and skin diseases generally 
of parasitic origin. There is danger from the external applica- 
tion of corrosive sublimate to a large surface. 

Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride {Green Iodide of Mercury), 
is made by rubbing mercury and iodine together, with the addi- 
tion of a little alcohol. It is mercurous iodide (Hgl), and is a 
greenish-yellow powder, insoluble in water and alcohol, but 
soluble in ether. By exposure to light, it is partially decom- 
posed, and becomes of a dark-olive colour. 



334 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Effects and Uses. — This mercurial exercises a specific influ- 
ence over the lymphatic and glandular systems, and is employed 
in syphilis and scrofula occurring in the same individual. Dose, 
gr. j. gradually increased to gr. iij or iv; it should not be given 
with iodide of potassium, which decomposes it into red iodide 
and metallic mercury. Externally, it is applied, in the form 
of ointment, to syphilitic ulcers, &c. 

Hydeaegyei Iodidum Rtjbeum (Red Iodide of Mercury), 
is mercuric iodide (Hgl 2 ). It is made by mixing solutions of 
iodide of potassium and mercuric chloride, from which a 
double decomposition ensues, resulting in the formation of 
chloride of potassium in solution, and red iodide of mercury is 
precipitated. It is a scarlet-red powder, which becomes yellow 
when heated, insoluble in water, but soluble in boiling alcohol 
and solutions of iodide of potassium, chloride of sodium, &c. 
It is a powerful irritant and caustic, and is employed in the 
same cases as the green iodide, though much more energetic. 
It is useful in rheumatism, especially of a syphilitic origin. 
Dose, gr. Jg, gradually increased to gr. \, in pill or alcoholic 
solution ; or, still better, dissolved in a solution of iodide of 
potassium. Externally, it is much used in the form of oint- 
ment (unguentum liydrargyri iodidi rubri), (16 grains mixed 
with a troyounce of ointment). 

Hydeaegyei Cyanidum {Cyanide of Mercury). This salt is 
made by adding a solution of ferrocyanide of potassium to sul- 
phuric acid, by which hydrocyanic acid is produced, and this, 
being received in a vessel containing water and red oxide of 
mercury, generates water and mercuric cyanide (HgCy 2 ). It 
is usually found in the form of permanent, prismatic, white, 
and opaque crystals, of a disagreeable styptic taste, soluble in 
water, but not in alcohol. It is an active poison, and is used 
as an antisyphilitic remedy, as a substitute for corrosive subli- 
mate, over which it has the advantage of not producing epigas- 
tric pain, and not being decomposed by alkalies and organic 
substances. Dose, gr. Jg to J. 



PREPARATIONS OF MERCURY. 335 

Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum (Ammoniated Mercury). This 
preparation, commonly called White Precipitate, is made by pre- 
cipitating a solution of corrosive chloride of mercury by am- 
monia ; chloride of ammonium is formed in solution, and ammo- 
niated mercury is thrown down. It is the chloride of mercuric 
ammonium. In symbols the reaction may be thus expressed : 
HgCl 2 +2NH 4 HO=NH 2 Hg // Cl+NH 4 Cl + 2H 2 0. It is a per- 
fectly white powder, insoluble in water and alcohol, decomposed 
by boiling water, inodorous, and has an earthy, afterwards 
metallic taste. It is largely adulterated, chiefly with sulphate 
of calcium. Its effects are poisonous, but it is used only as an 
external application, in the form of ointment (unguentum hy- 
drargyri ammoniati, one part of ammoniated mercury to twelve 
parts of ointment), to cutaneous eruptions, and to destroy pedi- 
culi. Four grains, mixed with half an ounce of powdered 
sugar, make a good snuff powder in ozcena. 

Hydrargyri Sulphas Elava (Yellow Sulphate of Mer- 
cury). This salt, commonly called Turpeth Mineral, from its 
resemblance to the root of Ipomoea turpethum, is made by 
throwing mercuric sulphate (as obtained from the action of sul- 
phuric acid on mercury) into boiling water ; the mercuric sul- 
phate is instantly decomposed into a soluble acid salt and the 
insoluble yellow oxysulphate — Turpeth Mineral — which is pre- 
cipitated (Hg 3 2 $0 4 ). It is an inodorous, lemon-yellow powder, 
entirely dissipated by heat, of a rather acrid taste, and spa- 
ringly soluble in water. It has been employed as an alterative, 
in closes of gr. J-J ; as an emetic, in croup and chronic enlarge- 
ment of the testis, in doses of gr. ij-v ; and as an errhine, in 
chronic ophthalmia and diseases of the head. In an overdose, 
it is poisonous, forty grains having proved fatal. 

Hydrargyri Sulphuretum Rubrum (Bed Sulphuret of 
Mercury), or Cinnabar (which is found as a native combina- 
tion), is manufactured by subliming a mixture of one part of 
sublimed sulphur and five parts of mercury. It is mercuric 
sulphide (HgS), and occurs in the form of heavy, brilliant, deep- 



Odb MATERIA MEDICA. 

red, crystalline masses, which are inodorous, tasteless, entirely 
volatilizable by heat, and insoluble in water and alcohol. It is 
not employed internally, but is used in the way of fumigation, 
in venereal ulcers of the throat and nose; 5ss may be thrown 
on a red-hot iron and inhaled; but the black oxide is a better 
substance for mercurial fumigation. Cinnabar is used as a 
paint, under the name of vermilion. 

Ungttentum Hydrargyri Nitratis {Ointment of Nitrate of 
Mercury). The Nitrate of Mercury is employed chiefly in the 
form of ointment. This preparation, known as Citrine Oint- 
ment, is made by dissolving a troyounce and a half of mercury 
in 3 J troyounces of nitric acid, and adding the solution to 16 
troyounces of lard melted at 200°, stirring until effervescence 
ceases. The chemical changes which result here are not pre- 
cisely known ; but a mercuric oxynitrate (Hg 6 4 4N0 3 ) is pro- 
bably formed, with fatty acids and elaidin. Citrine ointment 
has a fine yellow colour and unctuous consistence ; but if not 
very carefully made, it becomes greenish, hard, and friable. 
It is an excellent stimulant and alterative application, much 
employed in porrigo, psoriasis, crusta lactea, impetigo, psoroph- 
thalmia, and a wide range of ulcerated and eruptive affections. 
It is best to dilute it, at first, with lard. 

Liquor Hydrargyri Nitratis (Solution of Nitrate of 
Mercury) (mercuric nitrate) (Hg2N0 3 ), is made by dissolving 
3 troyounces of mercury in 5 troyounces of nitric acid, mixed 
with 6 fluidrachms of distilled water ; and when reddish 
vapours cease to arise, evaporating the liquid to 7J troyounces ; 
it is now prepared also by dissolving 3 troyounces and 120 
grains of red oxide of mercury in a mixture of 3 troyounces 
and 300 grains of nitric acid in 6 fluidrachms of distilled water. 
It is a dense, transparent, nearly colourless liquid (sp. gr. 
2.165), of a strongly acid taste, and is employed as a caustic 
application in hospital gangrene, venereal and malignant ulcers, 
and, diluted, in cutaneous affections. 



IODINE. 337 



IODINIUM — IODINE. 

Iodine is an elementary, non-metallic substance, found in the 
vegetable, animal, and mineral kingdoms of nature, — as marine 
plants, oysters, sponges, mineral springs, &c. It is chiefly 
manufactured from the residuum of kelp (the impure soda 
obtained from the incineration of sea-weeds), in which it exists 
as an iodide of sodium, by the action of sulphuric acid and 
black oxide of manganese. It occurs in crystalline scales, of a 
bluish-black colour and metallic lustre, of a strong, peculiar 
odour, and a hot, acrid taste. It is very volatile — evaporating 
even at common temperatures — is freely soluble in glycerin, 
alcohol, and ether, and but very slightly soluble in water (1 
part in 7000 parts of water). Its solubility in water is very 
much increased by the addition of certain salts, as the iodide of 
potassium, chloride of sodium, &c. When heated, its vapour 
has a rich violet colour, whence its name (from «<£<%, violet). 
Iodine may be detected in very minute quantity by starch, 
which produces with it a deep-blue colour; if in combination, 
the iodine must be first freed with a little nitric acid, or still 
better with chromic acid (which may be evolved by the addition 
of a single drop of very dilute solution of bichromate of potas- 
sium, when starch and nitric acid have been employed ineffect- 
ually). Chloroform has also been proposed as a test. 

Physiological Effects. — Iodine acts locally as an irritant ; 
when applied to the skin it stains it yellow, and causes itching, 
redness, and desquamation ; and, when inhaled in the form of 
vapour, it excites cough and heat in the air-passages. Taken 
internally, in medicinal doses, it usually at first excites the 
appetite and strengthens the digestion, though it soon irritates 
the stomach. It is probably absorbed in the upper part of the 
small intestines, by being dissolved in the alkaline fluids of this 
canal, and, after absorption, it frequently produces a remedial 
alterative and resolvent effect, without any obvious disturbance 
of the functions. Usually, patients become thin under its use, 
though sometimes its alterative action on the nutrition produces 

22 



6615 MATERIA MEDICA. 

embonpoint. It excites the secretions generally, increasing the 
flow of urine, slightly relaxing the bowels, often producing a 
marked irritant effect on the respiratory mucous membrane and 
salivary glands, and is readily and rapidly eliminated from the 
blood, chiefly in the urine. If administered in too large doses, 
or to persons of irritable stomach, it produces subacute gastro- 
enteritis ; and, when continued for a long time, it will produce 
gastro-enteric symptoms — headache, giddiness, and other evi- 
dences of cerebro-spinal disturbance — marasmus — sometimes 
discoloration of the skin — occasionally salivation — and fre- 
quently a ivasting of the mammce and testicles. This train of 
symptoms is termed iodism. In excessive doses, it may act as 
an irritant poison, and has even produced death ; but such a 
result is rare. Enormous quantities have been taken with very 
slight effects. The antidote is starch. The absorption of 
iodine is shown by its presence in the blood and various secre- 
tions. 

Medicinal Uses. — Iodine is a most valuable resolvent remedy, 
in chronic visceral and glandular enlargements, indurations, 
thickening of membranes, tumours, &c. It is chiefly employed 
in bronchocele and scrofula, but it is useful in every variety of 
chronic tumour and enlargement ; also as an alterative in 
secondary syphilis and other chronic affections ; and as an em- 
menagogue. Its vapour has been inhaled with benefit in chronic 
bronchitis and phthisis. It is a valuable topical remedy, and is 
applied in the form of tincture, with the greatest advantage to 
enlarged glands (especially when scrofulous), in the various 
cutaneous affections, lupus, erysipelas, rheumatism, gout, 
phlegmons, carbuncles, wounds, diseases of joints, poisoned 
parts, to prevent pitting in smallpox, as a counter-irritant to 
the chest in phthisis, chronic bronchitis, and pleurisy, as an 
injection in hydrocele, in encysted bronchocele, and even into 
the pleural cavity in chronic pleurisy, &c, &c. Iodine ranks 
also among the best of the disinfectants, being very available 
from the ease of its application as well as its ready portability. 

Administration. — Iodine is rarely exhibited alone, but usually 
in conjunction with iodide of potassium (see p.. 340). To avoid 



IODINE. 339 

gastric irritation, it is best given after a meal, particularly 
when amylaceous substances have been taken, as it forms 
with them iodide of starch. Dose, gr. J-J, two or three times 
daily. Liquor Iodinii Compositus — Compound Solution of 
Iodine — sometimes known as LugoVs Solution — (Iodine 5vj, 
iodide of potassium a troyounce and a half, distilled water Oj), 
is the usual preparation in which iodine is administered inter- 
nally ; dose, six drops, three times a day, in sweetened water, 
and gradually increased. The tincture (tinctura iodinii), (a 
troyounce to alcohol Oj), is of a deep-brown colour, and 
undergoes a gradual change when kept long ; water pre- 
cipitates the iodine from it, hence it is little employed inter- 
nally ; dose, gtt. x-xx, repeated and increased. Externally, it 
is extensively applied to erysipelatous and poisoned parts, 
chilblains, in cutaneous affections, &c, &c. The compound, 
tincture [tinctura iodinii composita), (iodine half a troyounce, 
iodide of potassium a troyounce, alcohol Oj), has the advan- 
tage over the tincture, that it may be diluted with water with- 
out decomposition ; dose, gtt. xv-xxx. Iodine ointment (un- 
guentum iodinii) (made with iodine 3j, iodide of potassium gr. 
iv, water TT|yj, and lard a troyounce), is employed as a local 
application in goitre, scrofulous tumefactions, &c. ; it does not 
keep well. The compound iodine ointment (unguentum iodinii 
compositum), (iodine 15 grains, iodide of potassium 30 grains, 
water 30 minims, lard a troyounce), is used for the same pur- 
pose as the preceding ; they both impart an orange colour to 
the skin. Iodine baths have been employed, with iodine and 
iodide of potassium dissolved in water, in a wooden bath-tub, 
in the proportion of iodine gr. iij, and iodide gr. vj, to a gallon 
of water. 

Iodine is employed in medicine, in various chemical combi- 
nations. The iodides of iron, lead, and mercury have been 
noticed. The iodide of starch is highly recommended ; dose, a 
teaspoonful, three times a day, to be increased. The iodide of 
zinc (see p. 157) is employed as a tonic and astringent. The 
iodide of sulphur (sulphuris iodidum) is prepared by heating 
together 4 parts of iodine and 1 part of sublimed sulphur ; it 



•340 MATERIA MEDICA. 

is a grayish-black solid substance, of a radiated crystalline 
appearance, having the smell and taste of iodine, decomposed 
upon exposure to the air and by boiling water and alcohol, 
insoluble in water, but soluble in 00 parts of glycerin: it is 
used internally in scrofulous and cutaneous affections, in doses 
of gr. J-i, and, externally, in tinea capitis, lupus, lepra, acne, 
&c, in the form of ointment (unguentum sulphuris ioclidi), (30 
grains to a troyounce of lard). 

POTASSII IODIDUM IODIDE OF POTASSIUM. 

This salt is prepared by treating an aqueous solution of 
potassa with iodine in slight excess. By this process, a mix- 
ture of iodide of potassium and iodate of potassium is obtained, 
and the iodate is afterwards deoxidized and converted into 
iodide by heat and mixture with powdered charcoal. Iodide 
of potassium (KI) occurs in semi-opaque, white, or transparent, 
anhydrous crystals, permanent in a dry air, rather deliquescent 
in a moist one, of an acrid, saline taste, somewhat like that of 
common salt. It is wholly soluble in water and alcohol, and 
its aqueous solution dissolves iodine, forming ioduretted iodide 
of potassium. It is frequently adulterated with other salts. 
It is incompatible with ammonium salts, sulphate, nitrate, phos- 
phate, and borate of sodium, sulphates of potassium and mag- 
nesium, sp. nitrous ether, soluble lead salts, and the mercurials 
generally ; with chlorate of potassium, if a mineral acid be 
added, a poisonous iodate of potassium is produced. 

Effects and Uses. — The effects of iodide of potassium are 
analogous to those of iodine, but less energetic. Locally, it 
acts as an irritant, and, in large doses, sometimes occasions 
nausea, vomiting, heat of stomach, and purging; but it may be 
given in larger doses, and for a longer period, than iodine, 
without causing gastro-enteric derangement. It stimulates the 
secretions, particularly those from mucous membranes, and 
very often produces coryza. Its constitutional effects are 
powerfully alterative and resolvent, and it is employed in bron- 
chocele, scrofula, secondary syphilis, and other chronic diseases, 



IODOFORM. 341 

particularly those accompanied with enlargements or indura- 
tions. It is a most valuable anti-syphilitic remedy, when the 
bones and fibrous tissues are affected. In chronic rheumatism 
and gout, particularly where the fibrous tissues are attacked, 
it is of great efficacy. As a diuretic in dropsy, it has been 
found useful ; and in spasmodic asthma it often gives great 
relief. As an eliminative antidote, in mercurial and saturnine 
poisoning, its action has been already noticed. It has been 
recommended in hydrocephalus ; and has recently been found 
to exercise a beneficial operation in the treatment of aneurism. 
Administration. — Dose, gr. v-xv, or even more, three times 
a day, in solution. An ointment (5j to lard 5vij, with boiling 
water foss) is employed for the same purposes as iodine oint- 
ment, and does not discolour the skin ; it is, however, of feebler 
efficacy. 

Ammonii Iodidum — Iodide of Ammonium (NHJ), is made 
by the double decomposition of iodide of potassium and sul- 
phate of ammonium in hot aqueo-alcoholic solution. It occurs 
as a white, granular, very deliquescent salt, becoming yellow- 
ish-brown by exposure, very soluble in water and alcohol, of a 
taste like that of iodide of potassium, but a little sharper. It 
has been used in the same way as the latter salt. 

Sodii Iodidum — Iodide of Sodium (Nal) may be made by 
the double decomposition of iodide of iron and carbonate of 
sodium. It is a soluble, white, crystalline salt, used to fulfil 
the same indications as iodide of potassium, than which it is 
said to be better borne. It is not officinal. 

IODOFORMUM — IODOFORM. 

Iodoform is obtained by the action of chlorinated lime upon 
a heated alcoholic solution of iodide of potassium, which yields 
iodate of calcium and iodoform, the latter being separated by 
the solvent action of boiling alcohol. It is a teriodide of 
formyl (CHI 3 ), and occurs in the form of soiall scaly, yellow 
crystals, having a saffron-like odour and sweet taste, insoluble 



342 MATERIA MEDICA. 

in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and the 
fixed and volatile oils. It is devoid of irritant action, and pro- 
duces the constitutional effects of iodine, besides an anodyne 
influence. Large doses produce tetanic convulsions in animals. 
Dose, 1 to 3 grains, three times a day in pill. In the form of 
vapour, it is said to possess anaesthetic properties, but inferior 
to those of chloroform. Externally, it acts as a powerful local 
anaesthetic, and has been found a good application to chancres 
and irritable ulcers, as bed sores ; it is used also to relieve the 
pain of cancerous sores, and, for these purposes, it may be 
dusted over the ulcerated surface, which is then to be dressed 
with glycerin spread upon lint ; a saturated solution of iodo- 
form in chloroform is serviceable in relieving the pain of neu- 
ralgia and gout ; an iodoform suppository is also useful in 
painful diseases of the rectum and bladder. 

BRO MINIUM BROMINE. 

Bromine is an elementary body, bearing close chemical and 
medicinal affinities to iodine. It is a constituent of sea-water 
and of many mineral springs. In Europe, it is obtained prin- 
cipally from the mother liquors of the salt mines of Stassfurt, 
in Germany ; in this country, from saline springs in western 
Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, in which it exists as a 
bromide of magnesium. It is a volatile, dark-red liquid (sp. gr. 
3), of a caustic taste, and a strong, disagreeable smell, sparingly 
soluble in water, more soluble in alcohol, and still more so in 
ether. Its effects on the system have been thought to be analo- 
gous to those of iodine, and it has been employed as an altera- 
tive resolvent in bronchocele, scrofulous tumours, skin-diseases, 
&c, particularly in cases in which iodine does not answer, or 
has lost its activity; but bromine and the bromides are now 
known to exert a powerfully tranquillizing influence in various 
forms of irritable action of the nervous centres, as spasmodic 
diseases, especially epilepsy, wakefulness, nymphomania, &c. 
It is given in aqueous solution (1 part to 40 parts of distilled 
water), dose, six drops, several times a day ; but it is exhibited 



BEOMIDE OF POTASSIUM. 343 

internally chiefly in the form of the bromides. It is one of the 
best applications in hospital gangrene, and, properly diluted, 
it is used as a wash for ulcers. In overdoses, bromine is an 
irritant poison, and has proved fatal ; ammonia is said to be 
an antidote. 

Potassii Bromidum [Bromide of Potassium) (KBr), is pre- 
pared by adding a solution of pure carbonate of potassium to 
a solution of bromide of iron. The iron is precipitated, and 
bromide of potassium remains in solution, from which it is 
obtained by evaporation. It occurs as a permanent, colourless, 
anhydrous, crystalline salt, of a pungent, saline taste, very 
soluble in water, and slightly soluble in alcohol. Bromide of 
potassium has been used as a substitute for the iodide, in bron- 
chocele, scrofula, chronic cutaneous affections, secondary 
syphilis, fibroid tumours of the uterus, &c, but it is inferior in 
these diseases to the iodic salt. It has, however, proved a very 
efficacious remedy in diseases of the nervous centres, as whoop- 
ing-cough, infantile convulsions, hysteria, laryngismus stridulus, 
and especially epilepsy, over which it is believed to exert more 
control than any other article of the Materia Medica. As an 
anti-tetanic remedy, it now ranks at the head of our resources, 
in cerebro-spinal meningitis, in strychnia-poisoning, and in 
tetanus. In the insomnia of mania and of mania-a-potu, it is 
often efficacious ; and it has been found to be the most efficient 
remedy which we possess in allaying venereal excitement, and 
hence its employment in nymphomania, chordee, &c, and as a 
preventive of masturbation in prisons, barracks, &c. In am- 
blyopia from alcoholism and from self-abuse, it has been found 
specially valuable. Given with or before opium, it often pre- 
vents the unpleasant effects of that article, and is useful in the 
vomiting of pregnancy. It is used, too, to obtund the sensi- 
bility of the fauces, before the exhibition of the laryngoscope. 
Dose, from fifteen to twenty, and even thirty grains, several 
times a day ; in tetanus, much larger amounts. The dose may 
be gradually increased, until there are evidences of a depressing 
action upon the nerve-centres, as shown by a sense of weight in 
the head, weakness of memory, and a tendency to coma. Another 



344 MATERIA MEDICA. 

common result of the prolonged use of the bromide is an erup- 
tion, generally acneform, showing itself mostly on the face and 
back. No fatal case of poisoning from this salt is on record. 

Ammonii Bromidum (Bromide of Ammonium) (NH 4 Br), 
is prepared by dissolving bromine in water of ammonia, or by 
acting on bromide of iron with carbonate of ammonium. It 
occurs in colourless crystals, which, on exposure to the air, 
gradually become yellowish (in consequence of the liberation of 
hydrobromic acid), has a saline, pungent taste, is very soluble 
in water, and moderately soluble in alcohol. Its effects, uses, 
and doses are analogous to those of bromide of potassium, but 
rather larger doses are required. It is also highly recom- 
mended in doses of ten or twenty grains, every two or three 
hours, in acute rheumatism. 

The Bromide of Sodium (NaBr) has lately been employed 
in preference to the bromide of potassium, as having more 
bromine ; and, still more recently, the Bromide of Lithium 
(LBr) has been recommended as the most efficacious of the 
bromides ; this salt possesses the antilithic powers of the salts of 
lithium generally. In bromide of potassium there is about 66 
per cent, of bromine ; in bromide of sodium, 78 per cent. ; and 
in bromide of lithium, nearly 92 per cent. Bromide of Magne- 
sium sits well on the stomach. Bromides of iron and mercury 
have been also employed. 

Bromoform has been employed locally as an anaesthetic, and 
is said to be a less painful application than chloroform. 

OLEUM MORRHU M — C OD-LIVER OIL. 

This is a fixed oil, obtained from the liver of Gadus 
Morrhua, or the common cod. — a well-known fish of the North- 
ern Atlantic, — and probably, also, from the livers of several 
other species of Gadus. It is prepared by subjecting the livers 
to heat, either in boilers with water, or by means of steam 
externally applied, and afterwards draining off the liquid por- 
tion, from which the oil separates on standing. It is said to be 
sometimes procured also by expression. Three varieties are 



COD-LIVER OIL. 345 

known, the white or pale-yellow, the brownish-yellow, and the 
dark-brown. They differ chiefly in the mode of preparation — 
the pale being prepared from fresh livers, the dark-brown from 
those which are collected at sea and have undergone putrefac- 
tive decomposition, and the broivnish-yellow from those in which 
putrefaction has only partially commenced. The pale oil is 
the purest; the dark oil is the most offensive to the taste and 
smell, and the least acceptable to the stomach. 

Cod-liver oil is of the consistence of lamp-oil, and has a pecu- 
liar odour and taste, resembling that of shoe-leather, which is 
usually prepared in the United States with this oil. These 
sensible properties are probably the best test of the genuineness 
of the oil, and it should be rejected if the smell and taste of 
shoe-leather are wanting, or if those of lamp-oil or fish-oil are 
very perceptible. The sp. gr. of the best oil is about 0.917. 
The oil undergoes a gradual change from exposure to the air, 
and should therefore be kept in full and well-stoppered bottles. 
It is scarcely soluble in water, somewhat so in alcohol, readily 
soluble in ether, chloroform, and glycerin. It contains a great 
variety of chemical constituents, the most important of which 
are fatty acids, several biliary principles, a peculiar brown 
substance called gaduin (which is not, however, supposed to be 
the active ingredient), iodine, chlorine, and traces of bromine. 

Cod-liver oil may be distinguished from other oils by the 
agency of sulphuric acid, a drop of which, when added to fresh 
cod-liver oil, on a porcelain plate, causes a centrifugal move- 
ment in the oil, and gives rise to a fine violet colour, soon 
passing into yellowish or brownish-red. This reaction is at- 
tributable, however, to the bile contained in the oil. By 
reaction with ammonia, in distillation, the peculiar volatile 
principle, trimethylamia (the odorous principle of pickled her- 
ring), is developed. 

Physiological Effects. — Cod-liver oil, like all fats, is appro- 
priated in the small intestine, and not in the stomach. Its pro- 
longed use, in doses which allow it to be retained by the diges- 
tive tube, produces very marked beneficial effects in a wide range 
of chronic diseases, dependent on a vitiated condition of the 



346 MATERIA MEDICA. 

functions of digestion, assimilation, and nutrition. Its modus 
medendi is not well understood, some therapeutists believing it 
to act merely as a nutritive agent, valuable from the readiness 
vrith which it is assimilated — others attributing its curative 
powers to an alterative action from the iodine and bromine, or 
other principles which it contains. Its effects are, however, 
probably due merely to its nutrient action, in supplying a 
sufficiency of molecular base for interstitial growth. The 
biliary principles which it contains promote its absorption and 
appropriation by the system. The most striking feature of its 
action on the economy is increase of weight ; and, usually, where 
it fails to increase the weight, it is of little service. It is be- 
lieved, also, to diminish the formation of uric acid in the system, 
and hence may be useful in gout. In large doses, cod-liver oil 
produces nausea and diarrhoea, and these effects occasionally 
follow the use of medicinal doses. 

Medicinal Uses. — Cod-liver oil has long been known as a 
remedy in rheumatic diseases ; and, within the last thirty 
years, it has come into extensive use as an alterative in tuber- 
culous and scrofulous affections. In the treatment of phthisis 
pulmonalis, it is now looked upon, in Great Britain and the 
United States, as superior to any other agent, and as possessing 
an undoubted power of arresting the progress of both the 
general and the local symptoms of this disease. Although 
efficacious in all the stages of phthisis, its value is most con- 
spicuous in the earlier stages, especially before the formation 
of true tubercles. Over the different forms of scrofula, it 
exercises also a very decided control — particularly glandular 
enlargements, ulcers, diseases of the joints and spine, ophthal- 
mia, &c. In the various cutaneous affections, tertiary syphilis, 
chronic rheumatism and gout, and the entire circle of chronic 
disorders, in which there is a tendency to marasmus, and 
where the nutrition is defective, cod-liver oil is employed with 
benefit. Its good effects are most conspicuous in proportion 
to the youth of the patient. 

Administration. — Dose, a tablespoonful, two or three times a 
day : though, if unacceptable to the stomach, it is best to begin 



PREPARATIONS OF ARSENIC. 347 

with smaller, as teaspoonful doses. The addition of a little 
ether (as from 12 to 20 drops to a teaspoonful of oil) promotes 
its digestion. It must be persevered with for a long time 
before its good effects appear. It is best given in some aro- 
matic water, or a little ardent spirit, or the froth of porter ; 
and it may be rendered more agreeable to the stomach by 
combination with one of the mineral acids. The union of the 
oil with lime-water, just enough to form a soap, often renders 
it acceptable to delicate stomachs, and it may be flavoured 
with oil of bitter almond. If it produce diarrhoea, astringents 
should be administered with it. It is used as a clyster, in 
cases of ascarides and lumbricoides ; and, externally, in cuta- 
neous affections and opacity of the cornea. Phosphorated cod- 
liver oil is made by the direct addition of phosphorated ex- 
pressed oil of almond (see p. 198), to the amount of .cod-liver 
oil required to furnish the desired strength of phosphorus. 

ARSENICI PRJPAEATA — PREPARATIONS OF 
ARSENIC. 

Metallic arsenic is inert, though, when swallowed, it may 
prove powerfully poisonous, by becoming oxidized and con- 
verted into arsenious acid. It is not used in medicine. 

Acidum Arseniosum [Arsenious Acid) (As 2 3 ), sometimes 
called White Arsenic, Oxide of Arsenic, or Arsenic, is obtained 
principally as a secondary product in the roasting of cobalt 
ores (the arseniurets of cobalt) in Saxony and Bohemia. It is 
afterwards purified by sublimation ; and, when recently pre- 
pared, occurs in glassy, colourless, transparent masses, of a 
vitreous fracture, which gradually become white and opaque, 
progressively from the surface inwards. It is sometimes kept 
in the shops in the form of a fine white powder ; but, in this 
state, it is liable to adulteration with chalk or sulphate of cal- 
cium, and it should therefore be always purchased in masses. 
It is entirely volatilized by heat, at a temperature not exceeding 
400°, has no smell, and little or no taste ; is soluble in water 
(more readily when transparent than opaque), and also in 



348 MATERIA MEDICA. 

alcohol and oils : cold water dissolves from y^o o tn to sio^ 1 
part of its weight of arsenious acid, or about half a grain to a 
fluidounce; if boiled for a short time with water, about g^th 
part will be dissolved ; if boiled for an hour, ^th part will be 
dissolved, or about 12 grains to the ounce. 

Tests. — Owing to the frequent use of arsenious acid as a 
poison, a knowledge of the means of detecting its presence is 
of grea*: importance. In the solid state, it may be recognized 
in the first place by its volatility (heated over a spirit-lamp, it 
passes oif as a white, inodorous vapour, and is deposited on a 
cool surface as an amorphous powder or in octohedral crystals); 
secondly, when thrown on burning charcoal, it is deoxidized, 
and gives out the ga?dicky odour of metallic arsenic ; and, 
thirdly, if heated in a glass tube with charcoal or black flux, it 
sublimes and condenses in the form of a brilliant, steel-gray 
ring or mirror. In aqueous solution, arsenious acid may be 
detected by the following reagents ; sulphuretted hydrogen or 
sulpiride of ammonium produces a lemon or sulphur-yellow sul- 
phide of arsenic ; the addition first of ammonia and then of 
nitrate of silver, produces a canary-yelloio arsenite of silver ; 
and the addition of potassa and then of sulphate of copper, pro- 
duces an apple or grass-green arsenite of copper; 100 grains, 
boiled with diluted muriatic acid, and then treated with sulphu- 
retted hydrogen, yield a deposit of sulphide of arsenic, weigh- 
ing 124 grains. The sulphide of arsenic may be reduced, and 
made to yield metallic arsenic, if heated with soda-flux or pot- 
ash-flux. The most delicate test, however, of arsenious acid 
in solution is that of nascent hydrogen, termed Marsh's test. 
When the acid is submitted to the action of nascent hydrogen 
(evolved by the action of diluted sulphuric acid on pure zinc), 
it is deoxidized, and unites with the hydrogen to form arseniu- 
retted hydrogen gas. This gas has a garlicky odour, and is 
recognized by its burning with a bluish-white flame, which 
deposits on a plate of cold glass or porcelain, held over the jet, 
a lustrous steel-gray or brownish-black spot or mirror of metal- 
lic arsenic, surrounded by a faint white ring of arsenious acid ; 
the metallic spot deposited is distinguishable from antimony, 



PREPARATIONS OF ARSENIC. 349 

obtained by a similar process, by the addition of a drop or two 
of fuming nitric acid, with heat, which dissolves both metals, 
the solutions yielding on evaporation white residues, but the 
arsenical residue, touched with a drop of strong solution of 
nitrate of silver, assumes a brick-red colour, while the antimo- 
nial residue remains unchanged; and also the arsenic can be 
dissolved by a solution of hypochlorite of sodium or calcium, 
which does not affect antimony. Another test is that of 
Reinsch, and consists in boiling a solution of the acid with 
muriatic acid and copper-foil or wire, when the latter acquires 
a steel-gray coating of metallic arsenic, passing as it increases 
into black. When arsenious acid is. dissolved with liquid 
organic substa?ices, it should first be separated from insoluble 
matters by filtration, and the metallic arsenic may be then 
obtained by Heinsclis process; and the liquid or subliming 
tests afterwards applied. If the poison be mixed with solid 
organic substances, they should be cut up and boiled with 
water acidulated with muriatic acid, and the solution after- 
wards filtered, and again boiled, &c. 

Physiological Effects. — Arsenious acid acts locally as an 
escharotic, by destroying the vitality of the parts to which it 
is applied. In medicinal doses, it stimulates the digestive and 
nutritive functions, as is shown by the well-known results of 
arsenic eating among the peasantry of Austria. Its physio- 
logical effects are not, at first, very obvious. When continued 
for some time, it generally produces more or less heat and dry- 
ness of the throat and stomach, with nausea, increased secre- 
tion from the bowels and kidneys, irritation of the conjunctiva, 
and a peculiar swelling of the face termed oedema arsenicalis; 
after the latter symptom appears, the medicine should be sus- 
pended. In too long -continued or too large medicinal doses, 
arsenious acid sometime produces a sort of chronic poisoning, 
characterized by disorder of the digestive apparatus, conjunc- 
tivitis, oedema, salivation, a cutaneous eruption, loss of the 
hair and nails, paralysis, convulsions, and, if its use be perse- 
vered in, coma and delirium may result, terminating in death. 
In excessive doses, arsenious acid is a violent poison, usually 



350 MATERIA MEDICA. 

destroying life by gastroenteritis, in from one to two or three 
days. When very large quantities are taken, it sometimes acts 
on the cerebro-spinal system, producing death by narcotism, in 
a few hours. Occasionally, gastro -enteric and cerebro-spinal 
symptoms both occur. Two grains of arsenious acid have 
proved fatal, though much larger amounts have been taken 
with impunity ; very large quantities often cause emesis, which 
removes the poison from the stomach. 

Dissections, in cases of poisoning from this agent, reveal red- 
ness (sometimes accompanied with extravasations of blood), 
ulceration, softening, effusion of lymph, and even gangrene, in 
the alimentary canal. The blood is often fluid and dark-col- 
oured. The absorption of arsenious acid into the system, after 
its administration, is shown by its presence in the blood, viscera, 
bile, urine, &c. It is rapidly eliminated by the urine, and also 
by the bile, and even the skin and saliva. 

Antidotes and Treatment in cases of Poisoning. — The evacu- 
ation of the contents of the stomach, by the stomach-pump or 
emetics, should be the first object in these cases. Demulcent 
drinks are to be also freely given. The hydrated oxide of 
iron should be administered, as soon as it can be procured, in 
the state of pulp or magma. It is prepared by the action of 
an alkaline solution on a ferric salt ; water of ammonia is 
directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia to be added to a solution 
of the ter sulphate of iron (see p. 145). The hydrated oxide of 
iron is a soft, moist, reddish-brown magma, which acts as an 
antidote to arsenious acid, by forming with it an insoluble, 
inert, ferrous arseniate (Fe 3 2As0 4 ). The dose is about twelve 
times the supposed amount of poison taken, and it should be 
given in the fresh and pulpy state, as it gradually loses its 
antidotical virtues when kept. The subcarbonate of iron also 
acts as an antidote, but this is much less powerful than the 
pulpy hydrate. Light magnesia (which has not been too 
strongly calcined), and freshly-precipitated gelatinous magnesia, 
may be also used as antidotes. The after-treatment consists 
in the use of demulcents, opiates, and, if necessary, stimulants. 

Medicinal Uses. — Arsenious acid is a very valuable altera- 



PREPARATIONS OF ARSENIC. 351 

tive remedy, but it must be exhibited with caution. It is em- 
ployed with the greatest success in the treatment of miasmatic 
affections, as intermittent fevers, especially such as have resisted 
the use of cinchona, or have frequently reappeared ; in chronic 
cutaneous affections, particularly the scaly diseases (lepra, 
eczema squamosum, psoriasis, and pityriasis) ; also in certain 
affections of the nervous system, chorea in particular, over 
which it exercises a marked control ; in chronic rheumatism, 
in phthisis, in the tertiary forms of syphilis, in irritable dys- 
pepsia, gastric ulcer, diarrhoea, bronchitis, and as a tonic 
generally. As an external application, arsenious acid has 
been applied to indolent sinuses, lupus, onychia maligna, &c, 
either pure or mixed with several parts of sulphur; its use is, 
however, attended with danger of constitutional effects. It is 
an ingredient of various empirical compounds, employed in the 
treatment of cancer. 

Administration. — Dose, gr. J g to y 1 ^, in pills with bread- 
crumb, three times a day, to be reduced when conjunctivitis 
appears, and suspended after the establishment of the oedema 
arsenicalis ; and, after being taken a fortnight, it should always 
be intermitted for a day or two. It is less apt to occasion 
gastric irritability when given immediately after a meal. 
The usual and safer form of exhibiting this remedy, is that of 
solution with potash. 

Liquor Potassii Arsenitis {Solution of Arsenite of Po- 
tassium), or Foivlers Solution. This is prepared by boiling 64 
grains of arsenious acid and bicarbonate of potassium, each, in 
half a fluidounce of distilled water, then adding 12 fluidounces 
more of distilled water, half a fluidounce of compound spirit of 
lavender, and afterwards water enough to make the solution 
measure a pint. It is a transparent liquid, of an alkaline reac- 
tion, and has the colour, taste, and smell of spirit of lavender. 
It is a solution of the arsenite of potassium (KH 2 As0 3 ), and 
is decomposed by the reagents which act upon arsenic, and is 
incompatible with infusions and decoctions of cinchona. Its 
effects and uses are analogous to those of arsenious acid, though 
some practitioners have denied their therapeutic identity. The 



352 MATERIA MEDICA. 

antidote is ferric subacetate (Fe 2 3C 2 H 3 2 ), which renders inert 
all the salts of the acids of arsenic. Dose, gtt. v to gtt. x, 
and even gtt. xx. three times a day. Each fluidrachm contains 
half a grain of arsenious acid. 

Sodii Arsenias (Arseniate of Sodium), is made by melting 
together arsenious acid, nitrate of sodium, and carbonate of 
sodium, then dissolving the fused salt in boiling water, and 
afterwards crystallizing. In this process, the arsenious acid is 
oxidized into arsenic acid by the nitric acid of the sodium 
nitrate, and then combines with the soda of both salts, to form 
colourless, transparent, prismatic crystals (Na 2 HAs0 4 ,7H 2 0), 
slightly efflorescent, very soluble in water, of a somewhat saline, 
slightly acrimonious taste. The salt is employed to fulfil the 
therapeutic indications of the other arsenical preparations, and 
has the advantage of a somewhat milder local action. Dose, 
gr. y 1 ^— J. It is sometimes prescribed externally in the form 
of baths, in chronic nodose rheumatism and gout, 5ss-5ij or 
5iij, in each bath. It is generally used internally in the 
form of 

Liquor Sodii Arseniatis (Solution of Arseniate of Sodium), 
made by dissolving 64 grains of arseniate of sodium (rendered 
anhydrous at a heat not exceeding 300°), in a pint of distilled 
water ; dose, gtt. x-xx. Cigarettes, made of paper saturated 
with a solution, two or three times the officinal strength, are 
smoked in asthma. 

Liquor Arsenici Chloridi (Solution of Chloride of Arsenic) 
(AsCl 3 ), is made by boiling 64 grains of arsenious acid with 2 
fluidrachms of muriatic acid and 4 fluidounces of distilled water, 
until the acid is dissolved, and adding to the solution, when 
cold, water enough to make it measure a pint. This is a re- 
cently-introduced preparation, and is believed to be especially 
valuable in lepra and chorea, and generally where the arseni- 
cals are indicated ; dose, the same as that of Fowler's Solution, 
than which it is thought to be less apt to disturb the stomach. 

ARSENICI Iodidum (Iodide of Arsenic), (Asl 3 ), made by 
rubbing 5 parts of iodine and 1 part of arsenic together, is 
an orange-red, crystalline, volatilizable solid, wholly soluble in 



PRECIPITATED PHOSPHATE OF CALCIUM. 353 

water, and has been used both internally and externally in skin 
diseases. Dose, gr. J, three times a day ; for external use, gr. 
iij to lard sj. 

Liquor Arsenici et Hydrargyri Iodidi [Solution of Iodide 
of Arsenic and Mercury). This solution, known as Donovan s 
Solution, is prepared by dissolving 35 grains of iodide of arsenic 
and red iodide of mercury, each, in half a pint of distilled water. 
It is merely an aqueous solution of the two iodides (Asl 3 and 
HGI 2 ). It has a pale-yellow colour, a slightly styptic taste, 
and is incompatible with the salts of morphia. 

Effects and Uses. — This is a highly valuable alterative pre- 
paration, in the various forms of papular and scaly cutaneous 
affections, and in obstinate syphilis. It was introduced by Mr. 
Donovan, of Dublin, in 1839, and has been a good deal em- 
ployed in the United States. Dose, gtt. v to gtt. xx or more, 
three times a day. 

CALCII PHOSPHAS PE^CIPITATA PRECIPITATED 

PHOSPHATE OF CALCIUM. 

This salt is made by reacting upon bone-ash with muriatic 
acid, which dissolves the phosphate of calcium in the bones, and 
gives it up again, on the addition of water of ammonia. It is 
a white, inodorous, tasteless, insoluble powder, sometimes called 
the Bone Phosphate of Calcium (Ca 3 2P0 4 ). It is an important 
and valuable medicine, not only in diseases of deficient ossifica- 
tion, as ununited fracture, caries of the bones, rickets, &c, but 
in all conditions of defective cell-growth and mal-nutrition, from 
its undoubted influence in promoting natural cell-growth and 
nutrition. Thus, it is employed (often in connection with other 
phosphates, as those of iron, sodium, and potassium), in scrofula, 
phthisis, anaemia, diarrhoea, chronic bronchitis, abscesses, and 
wasting diseases of every kind. Dose, five to ten grains, and 
it may be well given dusted in a little milk. A better (because 
more soluble) preparation is the Lacto-phosphate of Calcium, 
made by the action of lactic acid upon the phosphate of calcium. 
An emulsion, containing 50 per cent, of cod-liver oil and 2 

23 



354 MATERIA MEDICA. 

grains of lacto-phosphate to the drachm, is an excellent prepa- 
ration — dose, a toaspoonful to a tablespoonful. 



OALCII IIYPOPHOSPHIS — HYPOPHOSPHITE OF 
CALCIUM. 

This salt is prepared by boiling phosphorus in a mixture of 
hydrate of calcium in boiling water ; phosphuretted hydrogen 
escapes, and phosphate and hypophosphite of calcium are formed 
in the liquid, from which the insoluble phosphate and residuary 
lime are separated by filtration, and the hypophosphite is after- 
wards crystallized out, in the form of white, pearly crystals, of 
a nauseous, bitter taste, soluble in six parts of water, and inso- 
luble in alcohol. All the soluble sulphates and carbonates pro- 
duce precipitates with this salt (Ca2PH 2 2 ). 

Potassii Hypophosphis — Hypophosphite of Potassium 
(K2PH 2 2 ), is prepared by mixing solutions of hypophosphite 
of calcium and carbonate of potassium. It occurs in white, 
opaque, confused, crystalline masses, having a disagreeable, 
bitter taste, very deliquescent, and very soluble in water and 
alcohol, but insoluble in ether. 

Sodii Hypophosphis — Hypophosphite of Sodium, (Na 
2PH 2 2 ), is prepared by mixing solutions of hypophosphite of 
calcium and crystallized carbonate of sodium, and crystallizes 
in white tables, of a pearly lustre, very deliquescent (but less 
so than the potassium hypophosphite), very soluble in water 
and alcohol, and insoluble in ether. 

The hypophosphites have been lately introduced in the treat- 
ment of phthisis, under an impression that they prove useful by 
furnishing phosphorus to the tissues. They more probably act 
by stimulating cell-growth and nutrition, and may be given to 
fulfil the same indications as the precipitated phosphate of 
calcium. The soluble salts of mercury and silver are incom- 
patible with them. Dose, 10 to 30 grains, three times a day. 
The hypophosphite of calcium is the most eligible salt, but they 
are, often given together, in the form of syrup. The hypophos- 



CHLORIDE OF AMMONIUM. 355 

phite of iron was noticed with chalybeates (seep. 151). The 
liypopho spirit e of ammonium is also used.* 

AMMO Nil CHLORIDUM — CHLORIDE OF AMMONIUM. 

This salt, formerly termed muriate of ammonia, and often 
known as Sal Ammoniac, is obtained from the gas-liquor of coal 
gas works (usually by neutralizing the ammonia with muriatic 
acid), and also in the preparation of animal charcoal from 
bones. It is brought in the crude state from Calcutta, for use 
in the arts, and in the refined state, for medicinal employment, 
from England. It occurs in white, translucent, tough, fibrous, 
hemispherical, conv T ex-concave cakes (NH 4 C1), about two inches 
thick, difficult to powder, inodorous, of a pungent, saline taste, 
slightly deliquescent, very soluble in water, and less so in 
alcohol. 

The Pharmacopoeia directs that the imported salt should be 
purified for medicinal use by the addition of 5 fluidrachms of 
water of ammonia to a solution of 20 troyounces of chloride 
dissolved in 2 pints of water. Purified chloride of ammonium 
{Ammonii chloridum purification) occurs as a snow-white, 
crystalline powder, soluble in 2J parts of cold, and in its own 
weight of boiling water, and soluble also in alcohol. 

-Effects and Uses. — The local action of chloride of ammonium 
is that of an irritant. In large doses it purges. In small 
doses, after absorption, it proves a powerful resolvent alterative, 
diminishing the solid constituents of the blood, with an in- 
creased flow of the secretions generally ; it has an especial 
action upon the mucous membranes, promoting nutritive changes 
and epithelial exfoliation. Under its use, the solids of the 
urine are increased, except uric acid, which is slightly dimin- 

* Syrup of Hypophosphites : Dissolve 96 grains of hypopliosphite of iron in 
hypophosphorous acid, then in 6 fiuidounces of water dissolve 256 grains of 
hypopliosphite of calcium, 192 grains of hypopliosphite of sodium, and 128 
grains of hypophosphite of potassium, mix and add water enough to make 
9 fiuidounces ; in this dissolve 12 troyounces of sugar and half a fluidounce 
of fluid extract of vanilla. Each fluidrachm contains about 5 grains of the 
hypophosphites. 



356 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ished. Even in very large amounts, it is not considered 
poisonous. It is not much employed in Great Britain or the 
United States, but it is extensively used in Germany — as a 
refrigerant in mild fevers attended with stoppage of the secre- 
tions — as a resolvent in organic enlargements — in amenorrhoea 
— and in catarrhs, urethritis, &c. Of late, this salt has been 
used with advantage in muscular rheumatism and in neuralgia; 
and its resolvent powers are highly spoken of in fibroid 
tumours of the uterus. Dose, gr. v-xxx, every two or three 
hours, in powder or mucilaginous solution. Externally, it is 
used in solution (immediately upon being dissolved), as a refriger- 
ant lotion (gi to half a pint of water), in cutaneous affections 
and indolent ulcers (5i to half a pint of water), and also as a 
discutient and vulnerary. 

AM MO Nil PHOSPHAS — PHOSPHATE OF AMMONIUM. 

Although not officinal, this salt enjoys considerable reputa- 
tion as an alterative. It is made by adding Stronger Water of 
Ammonia to Diluted Phosphoric Acid, evaporating and crystal- 
lizing, (2NH 4 P0 4 ). It occurs in transparent, colourless crystals, 
having the form of six-sided tables, of an alkaline, somewhat 
saline taste, soluble in water, and insoluble in alcohol. As 
usually found in the shops, it is a mixture of the neutral and 
of the acid phosphate of ammonium. 

Effects and Uses. — It has been used in this country as a 
remedy in gout and rheumatism, and is highly esteemed. In 
combination with carbonate of ammonium and aromatic spirit of 
ammonia, it has been also lately used with advantage in diabetes. 
Dose, ten to forty grains, three or four times a day, dissolved 
in an aromatic water. 

POTASSII CHLORAS — CHLORATE OF POTASSIUM. 

This salt is prepared by various processes : a good one is by 
reacting upon solution of caustic potassa, mixed with lime, with 
a stream of chlorine — the chlorine is converted into chloric 



CHLOKATE OF POTASSIUM. 357 

acid by oxygen from the lime, and the acid combines with the 
potassa to form chlorate of potassium (KCL0 3 ). It is a white, 
anhydrous salt, crystallizing in rhomboidal plates of a pearly 
lustre, and is inodorous, and of a cool, saline taste. It is but 
little changed by exposure to the air, is soluble in 16 parts of 
cold water, and 2 parts of boiling water. It is said to be solu- 
ble in all the animal fluids without decomposing them, or under- 
going change itself. 

Effects and Uses. — Chlorate of potassium, w T hen taken inter- 
nally, gives a bright arterial tinge to the venous blood, reduces 
the volume and frequency of the pulse, and largely increases 
the secretion of urine, by which it passes out of the system, 
unchanged. The appetite is improved under its use, and sali- 
vation is an occasional effect. Large doses may be taken with 
impunity, but excessive quantities are said to have produced 
fatal gastro -enteric inflammation. Lately, a fatal case of 
poisoning from this salt has been reported, in which death was 
produced by a tablespoonful, apparently from blood-poison- 
ing, the heart and large vessels having been found filled with 
coagula. As it contains a large supply of oxygen, it was at 
first employed with a view to its oxidizing influence in con- 
taminated conditions of the blood, as in malignant fevers, 
syphilis, &c. ; and, whatever the modus medendi, it is still con- 
sidered a valuable alterative in typhus, scarlatina, &c. Pro- 
bably, its most positive remedial effects are seen in various 
forms of stomatitis, follicular, mercurial, and gangrenous. It 
is also used in diphtheria, croup, cyanosis, asthma, and even 
neuralgia. Externally, in solution, it is an admirable wash or 
gargle in stomatitis, ozoena, the sore throat of scarlatina, sub- 
acute and chronic pharyngitis, diphtheria, and fetid, ulcerated 
surfaces generally ; mixed with sugar, the powder is an excel- 
lent application in the apthous sore mouth of children. Dose, 
internally, fifteen to thirty grains, every three or four hours, 
in some pleasant vehicle. Troches of Chlorate of Potassium 
(trochisci potassii chloratis), are made by rubbing together 5 
troyounces of chlorate of potassium, 18 troyounces of sugar, 
2 troyounces of tragacanth, and 30 grains of vanilla, and with 



eJoo materia medica. 

water forming a mass, to be divided into 480 troches, each 
containing 5 grains of chlorate of potassium. For external 
use. 5y-iv may be dissolved in half a pint of water. 



POTASSII BICHROMAS — BICHROMATE OF POTASSIUM. 

The chief ore from which salts containing chromium are 
obtained is chrome ironstone, found in Sweden and in south- 
eastern Pennsylvania. By roasting the powdered ore with 
carbonate of potassium and nitre, the yellow chromate of po- 
tassium is obtained, and by acidulating a solution of this with 
sulphuric acid, the red or bichromate, is formed (K 2 Cr0 4 , 
Cr0 3 ) ; it separates in orange-red, anhydrous, tabular crys- 
tals, soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol, and of a cooling, 
bitter taste. 

Effects and Uses. — It is an irritant caustic, acting in over- 
doses as a corrosive poison, for which the proper antidotes are 
magnesia, soap, and the alkaline carbonates. In small doses, 
it is alterative, and has been used in syphilis, with encouraging 
results. In larger doses, it is emetic. Externally, it is a good 
application, in powder, or in saturated solution, to syphilitic 
warts, excrescences, &c. Dose, as an alterative, gr. J daily, 
in pill, with some bitter extract; as an emetic, gr. f. 



POTASSII PERM A NO AN AS — PERMANGANATE OF 
POTASSIUM. 

This salt is made by mixing together equal parts of black 
oxide of manganese and chlorate of potassium with a slight 
excess of caustic potassa, dissolving in a little water, evaporat- 
ing to dryness, and exposing to a nearly red heat ; chlorate 
of potassium yields oxygen, which converts the black oxide of 
manganese into permanganic acid, and this combines with the 
potassa to form permanganate of potassium (K 2 Mn 2 8 ). It 
occurs in the form of slender prismatic crystals, of a deep- 
purple colour, inodorous, and of a sweetish, astringent taste. 



CHLORINE WATER. 359 

It dissolves readily in water, making a beautiful lilac solution, 
which is readily decolorized by Fowler's arsenical solution. 

Effects and Uses. — There is little experience as regards the 
action of this salt, when administered internally, although 
alterative effects are attributed to it (and probably with reason), 
in poisoned conditions of the blood, as in malignant fevers, 
diphtheria, pyaemia, &c. It is as a powerful disinfectant that 
it at present claims chief attention, and it now ranks at the 
head of this class of agents, in destroying fetid odours and 
poisonous organic emanations. Its power in this respect is due 
to the evolution of oxygen, in its more active form, ozone. It is 
used externally, in dressing foul and fetid or gangrenous ulcers, 
particularly in hospital gangrene, as an application to carbun- 
cles, as a gargle in diphtheria, &c. It may be sprinkled in 
powder on gangrenous surfaces, or applied in solution, of the 
strength of half an ounce, an ounce, or two ounces to a pint 
of water. As a disinfectant and deodorizer, a solution of from 
one to ten grains to an ounce of water may be exposed in 
saucers, or sprinkled on the floor, or thrown into the air in 
spray by the atomizer. One to three grains may be given 
internally in solution, through the day. Solution of Perman- 
ganate of Potassium {liquor potassii permanganatis) contains 64 
grains of the salt in a pint of distilled water — half a fluidounce 
contains 2 grains. Qondys Fluid is of half this strength. 

AQUA CHLORINII CHLORINE WATER. 

This is an aqueous solution of Chlorine, which is generated 
by heating 3 troyounces of muriatic acid, diluted with 2 fluid- 
ounces of water, with half a troyounce of black oxide of man- 
ganese. The chlorine is conducted by suitable tubes, through 
2 fluidounces of water, into a bottle containing 20 fluidounces 
of distilled water, with which it is agitated, and the chlorine 
water is afterwards transferred to a well-stoppered bottle, made 
impervious to light. It should be kept in a cool place, pro- 
tected from the light, but it is soon decomposed. It occurs as 
a greenish-yellow liquid, having an astringent taste and the 



360 MATERIA MEDICA. 

suffocating odour of the gas. Its employment internally is 
chiefly in essential malignant fevers, as scarlatina and typhus, 
also in syphilis and diseases of the liver, and as an antidote for 
hydrocyanic acid. Dose, f5i-iv, diluted. Externally, it is used, 
diluted, as a wash in skin diseases, as an antiseptic, and by 
inhalation in bronchial affections. Chlorine acts as a disinfec- 
tant and deodorizer, chiefly by its affinity for the hydrogen of 
moisture and the liberation of oxygen ; its gaseous form gives 
it advantages in this respect. Solutions containing chlorine 
and other antiseptics are useful applications to suppurating 
surfaces, by preventing the decomposition of pus, and thereby 
pyemia. In case of poisoning by chlorine, albumen is the best 
antidote. 

CALX CHLORINATA — CHLORINATED LIME. 

This preparation, often called Chloride of Lime, is pre- 
pared by passing chlorine over hydrate of calcium till satu- 
ration is effected, and is said to be a mixture of hypochlorite 
and chloride of calcium (CaCl 2 2 and CaCl 2 ) ; it occurs as a 
loose, grayish-white powder, or friable lumps, dry or but 
slightly moist, readily soluble in water, of a bitter, caustic 
taste, and a faint odour of chlorine. Exposed to air and mois- 
ture, it slowly yields hypochlorous acid (HCIO), and this soon 
breaks up into water, chloric acid (HC10 3 ) and free chlorine, 
and the chloric acid again yields chlorine ; 25 per cent, of 
chlorine should be furnished by good chlorinated lime. It has 
been used as an alterative in typhus, malignant scarlatina, 
syphilis, &c, in doses of from one to five grains, in solution, 
several times a day ; and as a wash, externally, one part dis- 
solved in a hundred parts of water — or as a paste. It is 
chiefly, however, as a disinfectant that it is employed. Its 
effects are essentially those of chlorine, like which it decom- 
poses hydrosulphuric and hydrocyanic acids, and should not 
be given with mercurials. 

Liquor Som Chlorinate {Solution of Chlorinated Soda) 
(NaCl,NaC10), sometimes termed Labarraques Disinfecting 



PEROXIDE OF HYDROGEN. 361 

Liquid, is made by decomposing a solution of carbonate of 
sodium by one of chlorinated lime. It is a transparent, 
greenish-yellow liquid, with a faint smell of chlorine, a sharp 
saline taste, and an alkaline reaction. It has been used inter- 
nally, to fulfil the same indications as chlorinated lime, in doses 
of thirty drops to a teaspoonful, diluted, several times a day. 
It is useful, also, in dilution of various strengths, as an external 
application to every form of fetid ulcer, and it is a most valu- 
able and powerful disinfectant. 

Peroxide of Hydrogen (H 2 2 ) has lately been added to 
our list of alteratives. It may be prepared in numerous ways, 
the only practically useful ones being based upon the decom- 
position of peroxide of barium by means of an acid in presence 
of water. The most satisfactory method is to pass a rapid 
current of pure carbonic acid through distilled water, peroxide 
of barium being added in small quantities, care being taken to 
have the acid always in excess. After filtration, the solution 
is concentrated under the receiver of an air pump. It is (in 
the form of a concentrated aqueous solution) a colourless, 
transparent liquid, less volatile than water, of a bitter taste, 
having a sp. gr. 1.452, and is incompatible with many sub- 
stances, as all vegetable tinctures, the citrates and tartrates of 
the alkalies and of iron, hydrocyanic acid, sulphate, chloride, 
and nitrate salts, &c. 

Peroxide of hydrogen is an active oxidizing agent, and has 
been found highly efficacious in diabetes, in the dyspnoea of 
cardiac and pulmonic diseases, in promoting the blood-action 
of iron, and its use has also been suggested as an anti- 
syphilitic remedy, in gout, and in epilepsy and other diseases 
of irritable action of the nerve-centres. The strength of the 
solution should be such, that the peroxide on decomposition 
should yield a volume of oxygen ten times as great as the 
volume of the solvent : dose, one to four fluidrachms, three 
times a day. 

Locally, it has been applied with advantage to ill-conditioned 
ulcers, especially chancres. Under the name of Ozonic Ether, 



862 MATERIA MEDICA. 

a solution of peroxide of hydrogen in ether has been used 
successfully in diabetes, in doses of from ten to thirty minims, 
up to a drachm. It is also employed in the form of spray, as 
a disinfectant, and as an application to ulcerated, fetid, or 
sloughing surfaces ; and it has been inhaled with advantage to 
relieve the cough of phthisis. 

ORDER III. ANTACIDS. 

Antacids are medicinal agents, employed to neutralize acids 
in the blood, primse vise, and secretions. The alkalies and 
alkaline earths, and their carbonates, are the substances in- 
cluded in this division. The alkalies, in the concentrated state, 
destroy organization and act as corrosive poisons ; they are 
administered internally only in a state of extreme dilution. 
The alkaline carbonates produce a less intense chemical action 
on the tissues than the alkalies ; and the bicarbonates are less 
active than the monocarbonates. The alkaline earths, particu- 
larly magnesia, are less energetic in their local action than the 
alkalies proper; and their carbonates manifest little or no 
chemical influence over the tissues. 

When swallowed in a state of dilution, the alkaline prepara- 
tions combine with the free acids which they encounter in the 
stomach. The salts which are thus formed, unless carried off 
by the bowels, are absorbed into the blood, and are thrown out 
by the secretions, especially by the kidneys. While in the 
stomach, besides neutralizing acids, the alkalies also promote 
the digestion and absorption of fatty substances, by forming 
with them an emulsion. After absorption, they exert a lique- 
facient action on the blood, and render the urine alkaline. 
Their long-continued use disorders the functions of digestion 
and nutrition, produces a chronic deterioration of the blood, 
and sets up a cachectic condition somewhat analogous to 
scurvy. 

In the concentrated form, the alkalies are employed as 
eschar otics. The various alkaline preparations are administered, 
internally, in the diluted form : 1. As antacids, in dyspepsia, 



ANTACIDS. 363 

accompanied with excess of acid in the primse vise, and they 
are probably also of advantage in dyspeptic cases, by pro- 
moting the digestion of fatty matters. The neutralization of 
acid, in dyspepsia, by the alkaline preparations, is chiefly 
palliative ; although their continued use often diminishes tem- 
porarily the tendency to acid secretion. The vegetable tonics 
and aromatics are frequently combined with antacids, very 
advantageously, in the treatment of dyspepsia. Contrary to 
former views, the opinion is now held that alkalies increase the 
secretion of the gastric juice, and in fact increase the secreting 
power of all glands with acid secretions ; thus, while useful in 
morbid excess of acid in the stomach, they may be given also 
to promote digestion, by increasing the quantity of the gastric 
fluid ; for this purpose, they should be giyen just before a meal. 
2. As antidotes, in cases of poisoning from acids. 3. As anti- 
KthicSj to neutralize lithic acid, when it is separated in undue 
quantity by the urine ; and, also, as lithontriptics, or solvents 
of calculi, especially lithates. They are improper when there 
is a tendency to the deposition of phosphates ; and, in treating 
cases of uric acid deposit, it is unnecessary to render the urine 
more than neutral, as, if it be made alkaline, the phosphates 
formed may be deposited round the uric acid calculi. 4. In 
the treatment of acute rheumatism and gout, where they act by 
neutralizing the excess of acid, with which the blood is charged 
in these diseases. 5. To relieve irritability of the urinary 
organs — -ardor uringe in gonorrhoea — cutaneous irritation — uter- 
ine irritation — pruritus ani, &c, — when these conditions of 
irritability are dependent, as is often the case, on excess of acid 
in the system. 6. As diuretics (see p. 286). 7. As anaplas- 
tics and resolvents, in inflammation. And, 8. By many thera- 
peutists, in diabetes mellitus. 

The antacid preparations should be administered in a state 
of large dilution, with a view to facilitate their absorption, and 
to prevent an irritant and purgative action on the bowels. 



364 MATERIA MEDICA. 



POTASSII PR^PARAT A — P REPARATIONS OF 
POTASSIUM. 

The preparations of potassium, employed as antacids, are the 
Solution of Potassa, Carbonate of Potassium, and Bicarbonate 
of Potassium. 

The general effects of the potassium preparations are those 
previously described. They increase both the solid and watery 
portions of the urine, and in large doses render it alkaline. 
Under their use, however, the uric acid, either free or combined, 
is greatly diminished; the uric acid, it is asserted, is converted 
into oxaluric acid, which is metamorphosed into oxalic acid and 
urea. 

Liquor Potassa [Solution of Potassa), is prepared by the 
action of lime on a solution of bicarbonate of potassium ; the 
lime abstracts carbonic acid from the bicarbonate, and precipi- 
tates as carbonate of calcium, leaving the free potassa in solu- 
tion; or it may be made, more directly, by dissolving a 
troyounce of potassa in a pint of distilled water. Solution of 
potassa is a limpid, colourless liquid, without smell, of a very 
acrid, caustic taste, an alkaline reaction, and imparts a soapy 
feeling to the fingers when rubbed with it; sp. gr. 1.065; it 
contains five and eight-tenths per cent, of potassium hydrate 
(KHO). 

Effects and Uses. — The antacid, diuretic, antilithic, and 
resolvent properties and indications of this preparation have 
been described above. It is more irritant to the stomach than 
the carbonates of potassium, and is therefore less eligible for 
protracted use. In excessive quantity, it may act as an irritant 
and corrosive poison ; oils and vegetable acids should be 
administered as antidotes. Dose, gtt. x-xx, largely diluted 
with sweetened water or mucilage. Externally, it is used in a 
diluted state, as a stimulant lotion. 

Potassii Carbonas [Carbonate of Potassium). This salt, as 
usually kept in the shops, is prepared by the purification of 
the impure carbonate of potassium, known as Pearlash, which 



PREPARATIONS OF POTASSIUM. 365 

is obtained from wood-ashes, by lixiviation. Carbonate of 
potassium (K 2 C0 3 ) occurs in the form of a white, coarse, gran- 
ular powder, of a nauseous, alkaline taste, and an alkaline 
reaction, — very soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol. It 
is very deliquescent, forming, if long exposed to the air, an 
oily liquid with the water which it attracts. Acids, acidulous 
salts, and many other substances, are incompatible with it. It 
is employed as an antacid, anaplastic, diuretic, antilithic, &c, 
in the dose of gr. x-xx, in some sweetened, aromatic water. It 
has been found specially useful in torpor of the liver, and in 
whooping-cough. In large quantities, it acts as a corrosive 
poison, for which oils and vegetable acids are the antidotes. 

As the purified pearlash of the shops is always more or less 
impure, a better salt for internal use is — 

Potassii Carbonas Pura (Pure Carbonate of Potassium), 
commonly called Salt of Tartar, from its having been formerly 
obtained from cream of tartar. It is now made by calcining 
bicarbonate of potassium, which is thus deprived of its water 
of crystallization and an equivalent of carbonic acid, and is 
reduced to the state of carbonate. It differs from purified 
pearlash only in containing no impurities. 

Potassii Bicarbonas (Bicarbonate of Potassium), is made 
by passing carbonic acid through an aqueous solution of car- 
bonate of potassium, till it is fully saturated. By filtration 
and evaporation, it is obtained in transparent, colourless crys- 
tals, having the shape of irregular eight-sidecl prisms with two- 
sided summits (KHC0 3 ). They are inodorous, of a slightly 
alkaline taste, permanent in the air, soluble in water and insolu- 
ble in alcohol. The effects and uses of this salt are the same 
as those of the carbonate, but it is pleasanter in taste and less 
irritant to the stomach. It is much used in gout and uric acid 
lithiasis. Dose, 3j to 5j. It is considered the best remedy 
in acute rheumatism, in which as much as an ounce to an ounce 
and a half may be given during the day, with opium to relieve 
pain. 



366 MATERIA MEDICA. 



SODII PRJ3PARATA — PREPARATIONS OF SODIUM. 

The sodium preparations are analogous in effects to those of 
potassium. Being less irritant and less depressing, they are 
better anti-dyspeptics, and for the relief of acidity of the 
prima? vise. They are inferior in gout and uric acid lithiasis, 
as they are less powerful solvents of this acid. Their elimina- 
tive action as diuretics is also more feeble. 

Liquor Sod^: (Solution of Soda), is prepared by the action 
of lime on a solution of carbonate of sodium. It is a colourless 
liquid, having an extremely acrid taste, and a strong alkaline 
reaction. It has sp. gr. 1.071, and contains five and seven- 
tenths per cent, of sodium hydrate (NaHO). The dose and 
administration are the same as those of liquor potassse. 

The preparations of sodium, generally employed as antacids, 
are the Carbonates. There are several sources of carbon- 
ated sodium. The native carbonate (called Natron) is found 
in Egypt, Hungary, and other countries. Impure soda, 
obtained from the ashes of marine plants, is termed Barilla or 
Kelp, — barilla, when it is derived from phenogamous plants 
growing near the sea, and kelp, when procured from crypto- 
gamic plants growing in the sea. Carbonate of sodium is now, 
however, chiefly made by artificial means, from sulphate of 
sodium, which is obtained in part from the manufacturers of 
chlorinated lime, but principally by the action of sulphuric acid 
on chloride of sodium. The sulphate of sodium is fused with 
ground limestone and coal, and forms a black mass called 
British Barilla, which contains a mixture of carbonate of sodium 
and sulphide of calcium :—Na 2 S0 4 + C 4 + CaC0 3 = CaS +Na 2 C0 3 
+4CO. It is afterwards purified by lixiviation, calcination, 
and other processes. Within a few years past, caustic soda 
and the carbonates and other salts of sodium have been manu- 
factured near Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, from Cryolite (a 
fluoride of sodium and aluminium) (3NaF,AlF 3 ), which is found 
in an immense deposit in Greenland, and largely imported into 
Philadelphia. Soda is obtained from cryolite by mixing it with 



PREPARATIONS OF SODIUM. 367 

lime and subjecting it to heat ; the fluorine combines with the 
calcium, forming fluoride of calcium, while the remaining metals 
take the oxygen of the lime and also absorb it from the air, 
and become alumina and soda, carbonic acid being afterwards 
passed through the solution, to form carbonate of sodium, the 
insoluble alumina being deposited. Another new and cheap 
process of manufacturing soda has been lately introduced, 
termed the ammonia process, in which sodium chloride is con- 
verted directly into sodium carbonate by the use of ammonium 
carbonate ; the ammonium chloride formed is decomposed by 
calcium hydrate, and the ammonia is again converted into car- 
bonate by the excess of carbonic acid, obtained by heating the 
sodium carbonate. Recently, too, sodium carbonate has been 
found in large amount in a lake in Nevada. 

Sodii Carbonas [Carbonate of Sodium), crystallizes in large, 
oblique, rhombic prisms (Na 2 C0 3 ), which are transparent, very 
efflorescent,, of an alkaline, disagreeable taste, soluble in water, 
but insoluble in alcohol. When heated, they undergo the 
watery fusion, and part with their water of crystallization, 
which is entirely expelled at a red heat. Perfect crystals have 
ten equivalents of water of crystallization. It is apt to con- 
tain sulphate of sodium and common salt as impurities. Acids, 
acidulous salts, lime-solution, earthy and metallic salts, &c, are 
incompatible with carbonate of sodium. 

Effects and Uses. — Carbonate of sodium is less irritant, and 
has a milder and more agreeable taste, than carbonate of potas- 
sium. Its effects are otherwise similar, and it is administered 
in the same cases. In overdoses, it is a corrosive poison, for 
which oils and acids are the antidotes. Dose, gr. x to 5ss, in 
powder, or dissolved in some bitter infusion. Owing to the 
variable quantity of water of crystallization which it contains, 
as kept in the shops, it is best given in the dried state. 

Sodii Carbonas Exsiccata (Dried Carbonate of Sodium). 
This salt is deprived of its water of crystallization by heat, and 
occurs in the form of a white powder. Dose, gr. v-xv, in pill, 
made with soap and aromatics. 

Sodii Bicarbonas (Bicarbonate of Sodium), is prepared by 



368 MATERIA MEDICA. 

saturating the carbonate with carbonic acid. In the process 
followed in this country, the water contained in the carbonate, 
which is liberated during the process of its saturation, is 
drained off. Thus obtained, the crystals have the form of the 
carbonate, retaining only one equivalent of water, but are 
opaque and porous. They usually occur in granular masses, 
or in the form of a w T hite, opaque powder, which contains vari- 
able amounts of soda, not fully saturated with carbonic acid, 
and is known as Sodii bicarbonas venalis (Commercial Bi- 
carbonate of Sodium). This is purified for medicinal use by the 
percolation of 64 troyounces with 6 pints of distilled water, and 
the purified salt occurs as a snow-white powder, soluble in 13 
parts of w r ater, of a mild, slightly alkaline taste. It is a per- 
manent salt (NaHC0 3 ). By exposure to heat, it gradually 
parts with its carbonic acid, and at a red heat is converted into 
the anhydrous carbonate. 

The effects and uses of this salt are the same as. those of the 
carbonate, but it is less irritant and of a more agreeable taste. 
It has been used as a liquefacient, in infantile croup, in the 
dose of gr. j, every five minutes, to promote the expulsion of 
false membrane. Dose, for an adult, gr. x to 5ss, which may 
be pleasantly taken in carbonic acid water, or made into lozenges 
with sugar and mucilage of tragacanth. Soda Powders (Pul- 
veres JEffervescentes — ^Effervescing Powders) consist of tartaric 
acid (gr. xxv) in one paper, and bicarbonate of sodium (gr. xxx) 
in another. They are dissolved in separate portions of water, 
to the amount of half a pint in all, and, when mixed, form a 
pleasant effervescing draught. Bicarbonate of sodium is an 
ingredient also of Seidlitz Powders (see p. 259). Troches of 
bicarbonate of sodium, are made by mixing 3 troyounces of 
bicarbonate of sodium with 9 troyounces of sugar, and 60 
grains of nutmeg, and making a mass with mucilage of traga- 
canth, to be divided into 480 troches, each containing 3 grains 
of bicarbonate. Equal parts of bicarbonate of sodium and 
common salt make a good application to the bites of bees, 
hornets, spiders, &c. 

Sodii Silicas (Silicate of Sodium), (Soluble Glass), is pre- 



PREPARATIONS OF LITHIUM. 369 

pared by fusing silica with carbonate of sodium, dissolving in 
boiling water, and filtering; the solution, on cooling, drops 
crystals of the salt. Although not officinal, it has been used 
with advantage, to eliminate uric acid, in gout, &c, in doses 
of 10 to 15 grains, 2 or 3 times a day, dissolved in water. A 
solution of 5 grains in 2 fluidounces of water is a good injection 
in gonorrhoea. In solution of syrupy consistence, it is applied 
to bandages for the preparation of immovable dressings. Sili- 
cate of Potassium is also employed for the same therapeutic 
uses. 



LITHII PK^PAEATA — PREPARATIONS OF LITHIUM. 

Lithia is found in several minerals, as lepidolite, &c, but in 
minute amount. It is extracted chiefly by the agency of hy- 
drochloric acid ; and from the chloride, the carbonate (Lithii 
Carbonas) (L 2 C0 3 ) is prepared by the addition of carbonate of 
ammonium. It is a white powder, of a mild alkaline taste, 
soluble in 100 parts of water, more soluble in carbonic acid 
water, and insoluble in alcohol. 

It is a very valuable antacid in gout, from the fact of its low 
combining number, and the great solubility of the urate of 
lithium, thus enabling the carbonate to act powerfully in elimi- 
nating uric acid from the system. It probably diminishes also 
the formation of uric acid, and the author has found it highly 
efficacious in the cure of gout. It is a good diuretic. Dose, 
3 to 5 grains, two or three times daily, largely diluted, and 
best given in carbonic acid water. 

Lithii Citras {Citrate of Lithium) (L 3 C 6 H 5 7 ), a deliques- 
cent white powder, soluble in 25 parts of water, is made by 
adding a solution of citric acid to the carbonate of lithium. It 
is converted into a carbonate in the system, and is, therefore, 
possessed of the same properties, but is more refrigerant. 
Strong solutions of lithium salts have been found useful exter- 
nally in removing gouty enlargements. 

The Benzoate of Lithium (LC 7 H 5 2 ), is prepared by the 
gradual addition of benzoic acid to a heated watery solution of 

24 



370 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the carbonate, and evaporating. It may be obtained in the 
form of glistening, pearly scales, of a soapy feel, and a cool, 
sweetish taste, soluble in three and a half parts of water at 60°. 
The ready solubility of this salt, and its freedom from deliques- 
cence, and the benzoic acid which it contains in combination, 
give it especial value in the treatment of the various forms of 
disease, dependent upon uric acid deposits. Dose, 3 to 5 grains, 
repeated. 

AMMONII PRilPAEATA — PREPARATIONS OF 
AMMONIUM. 

The preparations of ammonium (previously noticed under the 
head of Stimulants, p. 195), are administered as antacids, in 
cases in which a stimulant action is not objectionable. Spiritus 
Ammonia? Aromaticus (Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia), is the 
preparation usually employed, and is an excellent antacid car- 
minative in heartburn, attended with flatulence, nausea with 
syncope, &c. Dose, gtt. xxx-f5j. 

MAGNESII PRiEPARAT A — P REPARATIONS OF 
MAGNESIUM. 

Magnesia (p. 254), and its Carbonate (p. 254), are employed 
as antacids in dyspepsia, sick-headache, gravel, &c, particu- 
larly where a laxative effect is also desirable. Dose, gr. x-xxx. 
Troches of Magnesia are made by mixing 3 troyounces of mag- 
nesia, 60 grains of nutmeg, and 9 troyounces of sugar, and 
forming with mucilage of tragacanth a mass, to be divided into 
480 troches, each containing 3 grains of magnesia. 

CALCII PRJPARATA — PREPARATIONS OF CALCIUM. 

The preparations of calcium, employed as antacids, are Lime- 
solution, Precipitated Carbonate of Calcium, Prepared Chalk, 
and Prepared Oyster-shell. They are very useful in cases of 
acidity or irritability of the stomach, but their action on the 



PREPARATIONS OP CALCIUM. 371 

bowels is the reverse of that of magnesia, and hence they can 
hardly be administered where there is a tendency to constipa- 
tion. They are also much employed in diarrhoea, and occa- 
sionally as alterative resolvents in glandular enlargements, as 
antispasmodics in nervous disorders, and to relieve irritability 
of the bladder from calculus. 

Liquor Calcis [Solution of Lime, — Lime-water), is a satu- 
rated solution of lime (four troyounces) in distilled, river, or 
rain water (eight pints). It is a colourless, inodorous liquid, of 
a disagreeable, alkaline taste, containing about 16 grains of 
calcium hydrate (Ca2HO) or 12 grains of lime (CaO) in a pint 
of water. By exposure to the air it gradually absorbs carbonic 
acid, with the formation of insoluble carbonate of calcium. It 
should, therefore, be kept in- full, well-stoppered bottles, or they 
should contain some undissolved lime. 

Effects and Uses. — Lime-solution combines antacid and as- 
tringent properties, and is applicable to all the cases in which 
antacids are proper, where an astringent effect on the bowels is 
not objectionable. It is an excellent remedy in gastric irrita- 
bility^ attended with nausea and vomiting, and may be given 
mixed with an equal part of milk, which disguises its unpleasant 
taste. A diet of milk and lime-solution is very useful in 
dyspepsia, accompanied with vomiting of food. Lime-solution 
is employed also in diarrhoea, after inflammation has been sub- 
dued, in diabetes, and as an alterative resolvent in glandular 
affections. Externally, it is used as a wash in tinea capitis, 
prurigo, scabies, &c, as an application to foul ulcers, and as 
an injection in leucorrhoea and gleet; atomized inhalations of 
lime-solution have been found useful in diphtheria and mem- 
branous croup. Dose, internally, f§ss to f §iij-iv, several times 
a day ; for children, f 5j. Linimentum Calcis [Lime Liniment), 
(eight fluidounces of lime-solution, mixed with seven troyounces 
of flaxseed oil, sometimes called Oarron oil), is an invaluable 
liniment in burns and scalds, and in small-pox. 

Calcii Carbonas Pr^icipitata [Precipitated Carbonate of 
Calcium) (CaC0 3 ), is made by mixing boiling solutions of 
chloride of calcium and carbonate of sodium. It is a fine 



6lZ MATERIA MEDICA. 

white powder, insoluble in water, and free from grittiness, but 
possessing no superiority over Prepared Chalk. 

Creta Prjeparata (Prepared Chalk) (CaC0 3 ), is made from 
chalk or whiting, by levigation and elutriation. It occurs in 
little white conical loaves, "which are tasteless, odourless, in- 
soluble in water, but more soluble in carbonic acid water. Its 
effects are those of an absorbent, antacid, and desiccant astrin- 
gent. It is used in dyspepsia and gout, attended with an ex- 
cess of acid in the system ; also in diarrhoea ; and, as it forms 
soluble salts of calcium with the acids of the stomach, its em- 
ployment has been suggested in rachitis. Dose, gr. x-xxx, in 
powder, or suspended in water with gum and sugar. Mistura 
Cretce (Chalk Mixture), consists of prepared chalk (half a troy- 
ounce), rubbed up with gum Arabic (120 grains), and water (4 
fluidounces), and afterwards mixed with glycerin (half a fluid- 
ounce), and cinnamon water (4 fluidounces); dose, f§ss, re- 
peated. Laudanum, and tincture of kino or of catechu, and 
aromatics, are often added to this mixture, in the treatment of 
diarrhoea. Troches of Chalk are made by mixing 4 troyounces 
of prepared chalk, a troyounce of gum Arabic, 60 grains of 
nutmeg, and 6 troyounces of sugar, and forming with water a 
mass, to be divided into 480 troches, each containing 4 grains 
of prepared chalk. 

Testa Pr^iparata (Prepared Oyster Shell), is the powdered 
shell of Ostrea edulis, or common oyster, washed with warm 
water, and afterwards prepared as the last article ; it differs 
from prepared chalk, in containing animal matter united with 
the carbonate of calcium, and is thought to be more acceptable 
to a delicate stomach. Dose, gr. x-xxx. 



RUBEFACIENTS. 373 



CLASS IV.— TOPICAL MEDICINES. 

ORDER I. — IRRITANTS. 

Irritants are medicines which are employed to produce irri- 
tation or inflammation of the parts to which they are applied. 
They may be subdivided into Rubefacients, Epispastics, 
Suppurants, and Escharotics. Rubefacients are used merely 
to produce redness of the skin. Epispastics, or Vesicants, 
cause the exhalation of a serous fluid under the cuticle. Sup- 
purants produce a crop of pustules. Escharotics have a chemi- 
cal action on the tissues with which they are placed in contact, 
and decompose or destroy them. 

rubefacients. 

Rubefacients are employed to remove congestion and inflam- 
mation, to rouse the capillary system in cases of local torpor, 
to relieve pain and spasm, and as stimulants to the general 
system, in coma, syncope, asphyxia, &c. They are adapted to 
cases in which a sudden and powerful, but transient, action is 
called for ; but they may be also employed where a slight and 
long continued action is desired. In removing congestion and 
inflammation, rubefacients act by stimulating the capillary 
vessels of inflamed parts, and thereby restoring their tone and 
elasticity. They are chiefly useful in the forming stages or in 
light grades of inflammation. They are very serviceable local 
anodynes, when applied to painful parts — acting by a substitu- 
tive influence. As general stimulants, their efficacy in rousing 
the system depends partly on their action on the capillary 
circulation, and partly on the pain which they produce. They 
are most valuable in the coma or asphyxia resulting from 
poisons, drowning, &c, and are inferior to blisters in the cere- 
bral oppression which occurs in fevers, inflammations of the 
brain, &c. 

Rubefacients are usually applied till pain and redness super- 



374 MATERIA MEDICA. 



vene. If kept too long on the skin, many of them will pro- 
duce vesication and even gangrene ; and, in cases of coma, par- 
ticular caution is required, as the patient may not feel them 
till dangerous inflammation has occurred. 



SINAPIS — MUSTARD. 

Mustard-seeds are obtained from two varieties of Sinapis, 
— S. Nigra, or Black Mustard, and S. Alba, or White Mustard 
(Nat. Ord. Brassicacese), small annual European plants, cul- 
tivated in our gardens. S. Nigra has become naturalized in 
some parts of the United States. Black Mustard-seeds are 
small, globular, of a deep-brown colour externally, and inter- 
nally yellow. They are inodorous, except in powder ; and, 
when rubbed with water, exhale a very strong, pungent smell. 
Their taste is bitterish, hot, and pungent. White Mustard-seeds 
are larger, yellowish externally, and of a less pungent taste, 
owing to the presence of a mucilaginous substance in their skin. 
The powder of both varieties (commonly called Flour of Mus- 
tard) is yellow, and is often adulterated with coloured wheaten 
flour. Both varieties yield their virtues wholly to water, and 
very slightly to alcohol. 

Chemical Constituents. — Mustard-seeds yield, upon pressure, 
a fixed saponifiable oil, which contains oleic acid and a peculiar 
acid, termed erucic (H0 22 H 41 O 2 ). From the black seeds a very 
pungent volatile oil, containing sulphur, is afterwards obtained 
by distillation : it does not pre-exist in the seeds, but is the 
result of the action of water upon a peculiar principle called 
Myronate of Potassium. It is a sulphocyanide of allyl (C 3 H 5 
CyS), is colourless or pale-yellow, rather heavier than water, 
of a very pungent odour, and an acrid, burning taste, and is 
the principle to which the black seeds owe their activity. From 
the white seeds no volatile oil is obtained ; but, when treated 
with water, they yield an acrid fixed principle, which is analo- 
gous in properties to the volatile oil of the black seeds. It is 
the result of the reaction of water upon sinalbin (C 30 H 44 N 2 S 2 O 16 ), 
a peculiar ingredient of the white seeds. The development 



MUSTAKD. 375 

of the volatile oil in the black seeds, and of the acrid fixed 
principle in the white seeds, is supposed to depend upon the 
presence of an albuminous constituent, called Myrosyne, which 
acts the part of a ferment in determining a reaction between 
water and the peculiar principles of the seeds. Myrosyne is 
rendered inert by heat, alcohol, and the acids ; and water, of the 
ordinary temperature, is therefore the proper menstruum of 
mustard. 

Effects and Uses, — Mustard is an acrid stimulant. In small 
quantities, it is stomachic ; in larger doses, it proves emetic ; 
and, in excessive doses, it will produce gastro-enteric inflamma- 
tion. When applied to the skin, it is a rapid and powerful local 
excitant, speedily producing redness and pain, and, if long con- 
tinued, it will develop vesication, ulceration, and even sphacelus. 
Mustard-seeds, swallowed whole, have been used as a laxative 
in dyspepsia, in the dose of a tablespoonful once or twice a day, 
mixed with molasses — the white seeds are preferred ; the prac- 
tice is, however, of doubtful value, as they may become entan- 
gled in the appendicula vermiformis. When mustard is em- 
ployed internally, however, it is chiefly as an emetic, in cases 
of torpor of the stomach, particularly after narcotic poisoning ; 
and by its stimulant action, mustard often rouses the gastric 
susceptibility, when other emetics fail. Dose, as an emetic, 
from a large teaspoonful to a tablespoonful of the bruised seeds 
or powder. Its use in smaller quantity, as a condiment and 
stimulant of the digestive organs, is well known. In the form 
of whey (half a troyounce boiled in milk Oj), it is given as a 
diuretic in dropsy. The most general use of mustard is, how- 
ever, as a cutaneous stimulant, in the form of cataplasm (termed 
a sinapism). This is made by mixing flour of mustard with 
a sufficient quantity of tepid water to give it proper consistence, 
and it may be diluted with wheat or rye flour, if a weaker effect 
is desired. Sinapisms are used when a speedy and powerful 
rubefacient effect is required ; they should be kept on till pain 
and redness are produced, usually from a quarter of an hour 
to an hour, and, in cases of insensibility, their effects should 
be carefully watched. They are applied spread on linen, and 



376 MATERIA MEDICA. 

covered with gauze, to prevent adhesion to the skin. Mustard 
is the most active and at the same time the most easily con- 
trolled of the rubefacients ; a mild but permanent effect may be 
kept up by the addition of a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful of 
mustard to a poultice of Indian meal or flaxseed, with a table- 
spoonful or two of capsicum. 

For ready use, there is now kept in the shops Oharta Sinapis 
[Mustard Paper), which is prepared by mixing 90 grains of 
black mustard (in powder) with enough solution of gutta-percha 
to give it a semi-liquid consistence, and then applying the mix- 
ture by a brush to a piece of stiff paper, 4 inches square ; be- 
fore being applied to the skin, it should be dipped for about 15 
seconds in warm water. 



CAPSICUM. 

Capsicum has been previously noticed as an aromatic stimu- 
lant (p. 200). It is an efficient rubefacient, useful in rheuma- 
tism, low fevers, &c, and is applied in the form of cataplasm, 
or the tincture or oleoresin may be used. 



OLEUM TEREBINTHINJ3 — OIL OF TURPENTINE. 

The Oil of Turpentine (see p. 303) is a speedy and efficacious 
rubefacient, and sometimes produces a vesicular eruption. It 
is employed in low forms of disease, attended with coldness of 
the surface ; as a counter-irritant in inflammation ; and as a 
stimulating liniment in rheumatic and paralytic cases. It is 
often diluted with olive oil. 



LINIMENTUM AMMONIA — LINIMENT OP AMMONIA. 

This preparation, called also Volatile Liniment, consists of 
one fluidounce of water of ammonia (see p. 196) and two troy- 
ounces of olive oil. It is an excellent application, as a counter- 
irritant, in affections of the throat and chest, &c. 



BURGUNDY PITCH. 377 



PIX BURGUNDICA — BURGUNDY PITCH. 

This is the prepared resinous exudation from Abies excelsa 
or Norway Spruce {Nat. Ord. Pinacege), a lofty evergreen tree 
of Europe and Northern Asia. Abies picea, or the European 
Silver Fir, is said to be also a source of the drug. It is ob- 
tained by stripping off the bark, and detaching the flakes of 
resinous matter which form upon the surface of the wound ; 
they are afterwards melted in boiling water and strained. 
Burgundy Pitch is collected principally in Germany and 
France, and derives its name from Burgundy, in the latter 
kingdom. After it is imported into the United States, it is 
generally re-melted and strained, to free it from impurities ; 
and, as found in the shops, it is a hard, brittle, opaque sub- 
stance, of a yellowish or brownish-yellow colour, and a weak 
terebinthinate taste and smell ; when applied to the body, it 
softens and becomes adhesive. It contains two resins, and a 
much smaller proportion of volatile oil than turpentine. 

A spurious Burgundy Pitch is made by melting together 
pitch, resin, and turpentine, and agitating the mixture with 
water. 

Effects and Uses. — This is a gentle rubefacient, producing a 
slight degree of inflammation and serous effusion, without sepa- 
rating the cuticle. It occasionally produces a papillary or 
vesicular eruption ; and, sometimes, though rarely, occasions 
painful vesication and even ulceration. It is applied in the 
form of plaster to the chest in chronic and sub-acute pulmo- 
nary disorders, to the loins in lumbago, to the joints in chronic 
articular affections, and for the relief of local rheumatic pains 
in other parts. 

Emplastrum Picis Bargundicce {Burgundy Pitch Plaster), 
consists of twelve parts of Burgundy Pitch, melted with one 
part of yellow wax, which is used to give consistence to the 
pitch. Emplastrum Picis cum Qantharide {Plaster of Pitch 
with Oantharides), consists of twelve parts of Burgundy Pitch, 
melted with one part of cerate of cantharides ; this is commonly 



378 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

called the Warming Plaster, and is a more active rubefacient 
than Burgundy Pitch, though it does not usually blister. The 
Plaster of Antimony, Plaster of Iron, Compound Gfalbanum 
Plaster, and Opium Plaster, all contain Burgundy Pitch. 

PIX CANADENSIS — CANADA PITCH. 

This is the prepared resinous exudation from Abies Cana- 
densis, or Hemlock Spruce {Nat. Ord. Pinacese), a very lofty 
evergreen tree of Canada and the northern parts of the United 
States. The pitch (sometimes called Hemlock Gfum) is a spon- 
taneous exudation on the old trees. The portions of bark upon 
which it hardens are stripped from the tree and boiled, and the 
melted pitch is skimmed from the surface of the water. It 
undergoes a further purification in the shops, by melting and 
straining, and is found in hard, brittle, opaque masses, of a 
dark yellowish-brown colour, a weak, peculiar odour, and 
scarcely any taste. It is more readily softened by heat than 
Burgundy Pitch, and is therefore sometimes a less convenient 
application. Its constituents are resin, and a minute portion 
of volatile oil. Its effects and uses are the same as those of 
Burgundy Pitch. 

Emplastrum Picis Canadensis (Plaster of Canada Pitch), 
sometimes called Hemlock Pitch Plaster, consists of twelve 
parts of Canada Pitch, melted with one part of yellow wax. 

Many other acrid substances are occasionally employed as 
rubefacients. Ginger (see p. 205), Black Pepper (see p. 
200), and Garlic (see p. 302), are particularly deserving of 
mention. A gentle counter-irritant, often used to the epigas- 
tric region, to relieve vomiting, is the Spice Plaster, which is 
made by mixing two ounces of powdered ginger with an ounce 
of powdered cloves and cinnamon, each, and two drachms of 
capsicum, adding half a fluidounce of tincture of ginger, and 
honey enough for proper consistence. 



EPISPASTICS. 379 



EPISPASTICS. 



Epispastics, called also Vesicants and Blisters, are medicines 
which, when applied to the skin, produce inflammation, accom- 
panied by effusion of serum beneath the cuticle. Many of the 
rubefacients will blister, if kept on the skin a sufficient length 
of time ; and, on the other hand, the action of vesicants may 
be made not to extend beyond rubefaction. The inflammation 
of the skin, caused by vesicants, is erysipelatous in its charac- 
ter, and may result in suppuration, and even sloughing or gan- 
grene. In inflammation of the dermoid tissues, as rubeola and 
scarlatina, in typhus under certain circumstances, and in ex- 
treme infancy, vesicants may produce fatal consequences. 

This class of agents is employed : 1. As local stimulants, 
in the cure of internal inflammations. Different explanations 
have been offered of the antiphlogistic influence of blisters, 
some therapeutists ascribing it to a derivative or revellent ac- 
tion, by determining vascular and nervous energy to the seat 
of their operation, but it is more probably due to a stimulant 
effect, extended to the capillary vessels of the inflamed organ, 
and experience has shown that, for the relief of internal in- 
flammation, they cannot be applied too near the affected organ. 
In affections of the head, blisters are pre-eminently useful. 2. 
To substitute a healthy therapeutic inflammatory action, which 
subsides spontaneously, for a morbid action existing in the part 
to which they are applied. In this way, vesicants are used for 
the cure of various cutaneous eruptions. 3. To relieve pain, 
which they do partly by a stimulant, and partly by a substitu- 
tive influence. 4. To break up a train of morbid associations, 
by the powerful impression which they make on the nervous 
system, as in the cure of intermittent fever, spasmodic diseases, 
&c. 5. To stimulate the absorbing or secreting vessels of 
parts contiguous to the seat of their application ; in this way, 
they are useful in promoting the absorption of dropsical effu- 
sions, in the treatment of ununited fracture, &c. 6. As gene- 
ral stimulants, in typhoid conditions of the system, coma, 



380 MATERIA MEDICA. 

syncope. &C. 7. As local stimulants, in threatened gangrene, 
paralysis. &c. S. As evacuants, chiefly for the purpose of 
local depletion. 9. In retrocedent gout, and in retrocession 
of the exanthematous eruptions. 10. To prepare a surface for 
the endermic application of medicines. 

CANTHARIS — CANTHARIDES. 

Cantharis vesicatoria, termed also Lytta vesicatoria, the 
Spanish Fly, is a cylindrical insect, from six to ten lines in 
length, by two or three in breadth, with a large cordate head, 
an oblong body, and elytra or wing-cases, of a beautiful, 
shining, golden-green colour. It is found most abundantly in 
Spain, Italy, and the south of France, but occurs in all the 
temperate parts of Europe, and in Western Asia. The Spanish 
flies swarm on certain trees and shrubs, and may be detected 
at a considerable distance by their strong, fetid odour, which 
resembles that of mice. They make their appearance in May 
and June, and are collected in these months by persons pro- 
tected by masks and gauntlets, who beat or shake them from 
the trees on which they lodge, and receive them, as they fall, 
upon linen cloths spread underneath. They are plunged into 
hot vinegar and water, or exposed to the vapour of boiling 
vinegar, and are afterwards dried in the sun or by drying 
stoves. When perfectly dry, they are packed in canisters, 
which are carefully closed so as to exclude atmospheric mois- 
ture. They are usually imported into this country from some 
Mediterranean port. A highly-esteemed variety comes from 
South Russia, through St. Petersburg, which is distinguished 
by the larger size and copper colour of the flies. 

In the dried state, cantharides retain their form, colour, 
odour, &c. ; their taste is acrid, burning, and urinous; their 
powder is of a grayish-brown colour, interspersed with shining 
green particles. If exposed to moisture, they are soon de- 
composed, most speedily when powdered. As, moreover, the 
powder is liable to adulterations, they should always be pur- 
chased whole, and should be powdered as they are wanted for 



CANTHAKIDES. 381 

use. They are liable to be attacked by mites, which destroy 
the interior soft parts : the best mode of preserving them is to 
expose them, in bottles, to the heat of boiling water, which 
destroys the eggs of the insect. A little camphor or car- 
bonate of ammonium, or a few drops of strong acetic acid or 
of chloroform, added to the flies, are also recommended as 
preservatives. 

The most important constituents of cantharides are a volatile 
oil, upon which the odour depends, and a white, micaceous, 
crystalline substance, termed cantharidin, which is the vesi- 
cating principle. Cantharidin is inodorous, tasteless, soluble 
in ether, chloroform, the oils, acetic acid, and boiling alcohol, 
and insoluble in water and cold alcohol; but, notwithstanding 
this insolubility of cantharidin, watery and alcoholic solutions 
of cantharides possess the medicinal properties of the insect, — 
the cantharidin being rendered soluble by combination with a 
yellow colouring matter in the insect. Cantharidin (C 5 H 6 2 ), 
by the aid of heat, in the presence of water, may be made to 
combine with the alkalies, the cantharidin becoming converted 
into cantharidic acid (H 2 C 5 H 6 2 ). The cantharidate of potas- 
sium has been employed as a blistering agent. 

Physiological Effects. — Cantharides are an acrid stimulant. 
Taken internally, in small doses, they excite the secretion of 
the kidneys, and sometimes produce more or less irritation of 
the genito-urinary passages, evinced by strangury, priapism, 
pain, and occasionally the discharge of bloody urine. In 
large doses, they produce violent gastro-enteric and genito- 
urinary inflammation ; and, in excessive doses, prove fatal, 
with convulsions, tetanus, delirium, and other cerebro-spinal 
symptoms. Twenty-four grains have occasioned death. In 
cases of poisoning, after the stomach has been emptied, opiates, 
demulcents, and stimulants are to be resorted to ; but oils are 
to be avoided. Applied to the skin, cantharides produce 
inflammation, which terminates in the secretion of serum under 
the cuticle. Even when they are externally applied, their con- 
stitutional effects, as strangury, tenesmus, &c, are frequently 
manifested. 



382 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

Medicinal Uses. — The indications which cantharides are 
capable of fulfilling, -when administered internally, as a diuretic, 
emmenagogue, &c, have been already noticed (see tincture, p. 
297). Their chief use is as an external application, to produce 
blisters : but they are sometimes also employed externally, as 
rubefacients, for the purpose of local or general stimulation in 
low forms of disease. Cantharides are preferred to all other 
substances as ejnspastics, and they are used for all the medi- 
cinal purposes that are within the range of this class of medi- 
cines. 

The following are the forms under which Spanish flies are 
used externally: 

Ceratum Cantliariclis (Catharieles Cerate), commonly known 
as Blistering Cerate, is made by mixing powdered cantharides 
(twelve parts) with melted wax and resin (each seven parts), 
and lard (ten parts). This is the preparation usually employed 
to raise a blister. It can be applied without the aid of heat, 
and should be spread on soft leather or linen or adhesive plaster, 
and covered with gauze or unsized paper. From four to twelve 
hours is the period for which the cerate should be applied — on 
the scalp a longer application may be required. For an ordi- 
nary impression, and where the cutaneous sensibility is not 
impaired by disease, it need not be kept r on more than four or 
five hours. In cases of children, less time is required for the 
application of the cerate, and great caution is necessary in 
applying it to infants. A poultice of bread and milk or flax- 
seed meal should be afterwards applied, which usually produces 
vesication, if the action of the blister has not extended beyond 
rubefaction. If it be desirable to heal the blistered surface 
immediately, cotton wadding or cerate may be placed over it, 
after the serum has been allowed to escape. To maintain the 
discharge, the cuticle should be removed, and basilicon ointment 
applied ; if the surface require further irritation, the ointments of 
savine, mezereon, or cantharides may be used. The open or per- 
petual blister is, however, not required for ordinary antiphlogis- 
tic purposes ; and, indeed, as a general rule, the blistered surface 
should be allowed to heal as speedily as possible. In case of 



CANTHARIDES. 383 

excessive pain, a poultice of bread-crumb and lead water, with 
grain \ of sulphate of morphia mixed in it, or a starch poultice, 
or lime liniment, is a soothing application. Goulard's Cerate is 
an excellent application to heal obstinate ulcers from blisters. 
For the relief of strangury, diluents and diuretics are proper, 
as flaxseed tea, with sweet spirit of nitre, decoction of uva ursi, 
&c, and an opium or morphia suppository, if the symptoms are 
severe. Ceratum Extracti Cantharidis [Cerate of Extract of 
Cantharides), differs chiefly from the common cerate in being 
made with an alcoholic extract of the flies instead of the flies 
themselves ; it is a new preparation, and is said to be more 
active than the old. To prepare it, 5 troyounces of canthar- 
ides are to be percolated to exhaustion with stronger alcohol, 
evaporated to the consistence of a soft extract, and mixed with 
3 troyounces of resin, 6 troyounces of yellow wax, and 7 troy- 
ounces of lard (melted together). Ethereal, alcoholic, hydro- 
alcoholic, and watery extracts of Spanish flies have been sug- 
gested as substitutes for the blistering cerate, and, mixed with 
wax and spread on thin cloth or paper, are termed vesicating 
taffetas. Unguentum Cantharidis (Ointment of Cantharides), 
is made by mixing 120 grains of cantharides cerate with 360 
grains of resin cerate ; it is employed as a stimulating dressing 
to blistered surfaces, or to produce vesication on delicate 
skins. Linimentum Cantharidis (Liniment of Cantharides), 
consists of a troyounce of cantharides dissolved in eight fluid- 
ounces of oil of turpentine; it is a prompt stimulating lini- 
ment in low fevers, and may be applied to the skin to prepare 
it for the action of the blistering cerate. Collodium cum Can- 
tharide (Collodion with Cantharides), or Cantharidal Collodion, 
is made by percolating 8 troyounces of cantharides with 
stronger ether until 15 fluidounces have passed, then with 
stronger alcohol until half a pint more of liquid is obtained, 
evaporating this to a fluidounce, and mixing it with the reserved 
liquid ; to this are to be added with agitation 100 grains of 
pyroxolon, 320 grains of Canada turpentine, and 160 grains 
of castor oil, and the solution is to be kept in a well-stoppered 
bottle. It furnishes a very convenient mode of blistering a 



B8 l MATERIA MEDICA. 

small irregular surface, and is applied by means of a camel's- 
hair brush, in successive layers, which should be covered with 
a piece of oiled silk. Charta Cantliaridis (Cantharides Paper), 
is made by boiling gently a mixture of 94 troy ounces of white 
wax, a troyounce and a half of spermaceti, 2 troyounces of 
olive oil, half a troyounce of Canada turpentine and cantharides 
each, in 5 fluidounces of water, and, after filtration, passing 
strips of paper over the surface of the mixture, which, when 
dry. are cut into rectangular strips. The cantharidal prepa- 
rations are used externally to promote the growth of the hair. 
Dupuytreri s Pomatum is a tincture, made with cantharides, 5i, 
and alcohol, f Si, incorporated with nine parts of lard. 



CANTHARIS VITTATA — POTATO FLIES. 

Several species of Cantharis are found in the United States, 
and are good substitutes for C. vesicatoria. C. vittata, or the 
Potato Fly, is most used. It resembles the Spanish Fly in 
shape, but is rather smaller, being about six lines in length, 
with black elytra or wing-cases, and inhabits chiefly the potato 
plant. It contains cantharidin, 

AQUA AMMONIA — WATER OF AMMONIA. 

Stronger Water of Ammonia (see p. 195), may be used for 
the purpose of speedy vesication. Five parts of this, mixed 
with spirit of camphor, two parts, and spirit of rosemary, one 
part, has. been used as a prompt vesicant, under the name of 
Granville s Lotion. A piece of flannel, saturated with the lini- 
ment, is applied to the skin, which it will generally blister in 
from three to ten minutes. Gondret's Vesicating Ointment is' 
made by melting together 2 parts of expressed oil of almond 
and 32 parts of lard, and adding to this mixture 17 parts of 
stronger water of ammonia ; it will vesicate in ten minutes. 
Ammonia is applied locally as an antidote to the poison of 
venomous reptiles and insects. 



ESCHAROTICS. 385 

SUPPURANTS. 
OLEUM TIGLII— CKOTON OIL. 

Croton Oil (see p. 275), when rubbed on the skin, produces 
rubefaction, accompanied by a pustular eruption. It is an 
excellent application to the throat and chest, in subacute or 
chronic laryngeal and bronchial affections, and to rheumatic 
joints. It may be applied undiluted, or mixed with one, two 
or three parts of olive oil or oil of turpentine, according to the 
susceptibility of the skin. 

UNGUENTUM ANTIMONII — ANTIMONIAL OINTMENT. 

This ointment consists of one part of tartrate of antimony 
and potassium, mixed with four parts of lard. The peculiar 
eruptive effects of tartar emetic have been already noticed 
(p. 221). It may be used in the form of ointment or solution, 
in the same cases as croton oil, but it is a more painful and 
permanent application. 

ESCHAROTICS. 

Escharotics (from eaxapa, an eschar), called also Cauterants, 
are medicines which destroy the structure and vitality of the 
parts to which they are applied. The escliar, which their ap- 
plication produces, is followed by inflammation and suppuration 
in the surrounding tissues, by which the slough is separated 
from the living parts. 

They are employed : 1. To effect the destruction of morbid 
growths, warts, condylomata, polypi, fungous granulations, &c. 
2. To decompose the virus of rabid and venomous animals, and 
of chancres and malignant pustules, and to prevent their ab- 
sorption. 3. For the cure of violent inflammation, by their 
substitutive action, as when they are applied to the mucous 
or cutaneous surfaces, in gonorrhceal ophthalmia, erysipelas, 
poisoned parts, carbuncles, &c. 4. To stimulate indolent sinuses, 

25 



MATERIA MEDICA. 

ulcers, &c, where their influence is also of a substitutive char- 
acter. 5. To open abscesses ; though, for the opening of absces- 
ses of internal viscera, as of the liver, the recently-introduced 
method of aspiration is to be preferred. 6. To form issues. 
7. To remove morbid heterologous growths, as lupus, cancer, &c. 

ARGENT I NITRAS FUSA — FUSED NITRATE OF 
SILVER. 

Lunar Caustic (described at length, p. 158), is the most 
commonly employed of the caustics. It has the advantage of 
not liquefying when applied, and its action is therefore con- 
fined to the parts with which it is brought in contact. It is 
used to remove fungous granulations in wounds and ulcers, to 
destroy warts, to decompose and prevent the absorption of the 
syphilitic virus in chancres, to alter the action of indolent 
ulcers, sinuses, and fistube, to subdue the inflammatory action 
of paronychia, erythema, &c, to arrest the progress of erysip- 
elas and cancrum oris, to cut short variolous pustules, to cure 
skin diseases by a substitutive action, and in inflammations of 
mucous membranes. In dilutions of various strengths, it is 
resorted to in every variety of inflammation of the mucous 
membranes ; when a full impression is desired, a solution of gr. 
xx-xxx, in distilled water f gj, may be employed ; for ordinary 
purposes, gr. ij to water fgj. 

POTASSA. 

Caustic Potassa is prepared by the rapid evaporation of So- 
lution of Potassa (see p. 364) with heat. While in the state of 
fusion, it is received into cylindrical iron moulds, and it occurs 
in the form of sticks, of a brownish, grayish, or bluish colour, 
a fibrous fracture, the odour of slaking lime, and a caustic, 
urinous taste. It dissolves in alcohol, and in less than its 
weight of water, and attracts both moisture and carbonic acid 
rapidly from the air. It is more or less impure as found in 
the shops. By digestion in alcohol, it is freed from impurities 



soda. 387 

insoluble in this menstruum (as the carbonates of potassium), 
and it may be afterwards obtained quite white and pure by 
evaporation ; it is then termed Alcoliolic Potassa. The potassa 
of the shops is a hydrate, consisting of one equivalent of water 
and one of potassa. 

Effects and Uses. — It is the most powerful known escharotic,- 
and differs from lunar caustic, in extending its action to a con- 
siderable depth beneath the surface to which it is applied. It 
is used chiefly to open abscesses and form issues, to destroy the 
virus of chancres and of malignant pustules, and that from the 
bites of venomous reptiles and rabid animals, and sometimes 
also to arrest the sloughing of carbuncles, and, from its deep- 
reaching action, it is preferred to lunar caustic in these cases ; 
applied to the cutaneous surface, in cases of phlegmon, threat- 
ened carbuncle, &c, it will sometimes avert the progress of 
inflammation. When it is applied to the skin, this should be 
covered with linen spread with adhesive plaster, having a hole 
the size of the spot to be cauterized. A solution (5jss to fgij 
of water) is used as a rubefacient. 

Potassa cum Calce {Potassa ivith Lime), is prepared by 
rubbing up equal parts of potassa and lime. It is a grayish- 
white powder, which is sometimes made into a paste with a 
little alcohol, and is termed Vienna Paste; it has also been 
formed into sticks. The presence of lime renders this a milder, 
less deliquescent, and more manageable caustic than potassa ; 
it is a favourite application to chancres. 

soda. 

Caustic Soda is prepared by the rapid evaporation of Solu- 
tion of Soda (see p. 366) until ebullition ceases, and the soda 
melts ; when it has congealed, it is broken into grayish-white, 
opaque, brittle fragments, which are very corrosive, very sol- 
uble in water, soluble in alcohol, and deliquescent, though, 
unlike potassa, it does not become permanently liquid, but, 
after a time, effloresces. It is employed for the same cauterant 
purposes as potassa, than which it is somewhat milder in action. 



388 MATERIA MEDICA. 

London Paste, made by rubbing up equal parts of soda and 
lime, lias been used "with good effect in the removal of enlarged 

tonsils. 

ACIDUM CHROMICUM — CHROMIC ACID. 

Chromic Acid (Cr0 3 ) is obtained by the reaction of sulphuric 
acid upon a solution of bichromate of potassium. It is pro- 
perly chromic anhydride, and occurs in the form of anhydrous, 
deep-red, needleform crystals, of an acid, metallic taste ; they 
are deliquescent, and very soluble in water, with which they 
form an orange-yellow solution. 

Effects and Uses. — This is an escharotic of recent introduc- 
tion into the Materia Medica. It is of unsurpassed power in 
this particular, decomposing the tissues by its rapid oxidizing 
action. Used in the form of paste, or solution more or less 
diluted, it is a most efficacious application to morbid growths 
and excrescences, as syphilitic condylomata, &c. It gives less 
pain than other caustics ; but it is to be used with caution, espe- 
cially to delicate parts like the eye, as its action is deeply pene- 
trating. The solution may be made of the strength of from 
100 grains up to a troy ounce to a fluidounce of water; and is 
to be applied by means of a pencil or glass rod. Solutions of 
chromic acid in glycerin, which have been used, are liable to 
explode, if the reagents are mixed too quickly ; the glycerin 
should be added drop by drop. 

ACIDUM AR SEN 10 SUM ARSENIOUS ACID. 

This is a powerful escharotic (see p. 347), and is occasionally 
applied in lupus, onychia maligna, cancerous ulcers, and to 
change the action of indolent sinuses ; but its use is attended 
with danger. It may be diluted with one or more parts of 
sulphur. 

ZINCI CHLORIDUM — CHLORIDE OF ZINC. 

This is also a powerful escharotic (see p. 157) ; and, in addi- 
tion to its corrosive properties, it appears to exercise a greater 



MINERAL ACIDS. 389 

influence over the vital action of neighbouring parts than some 
of the other caustics. The separation of its eschar leaves very 
healthy and vigorous granulations, and it is one of the best 
applications that can be made to intractable, indolent ulcers 
and sinuses. It will cure lupus. 

LIQUOR HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS — SOLUTION OF 
NITRATE OF MERCURY. 

This preparation (see p. 336), termed also the acid nitrate of 
mercury, is a valuable caustic application to malignant ulcers, 
hospital gangrene, &c. 

HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM — CORROSIVE 
CHLORIDE OF MERCURY. 

Corrosive Sublimate is more frequently used as a stimulant 
wash than as a caustic. For its properties, uses, and modes of 
application, see p. 331. 

POTASSII BICHROMAS — BICHROMATE OF POTASSIUM. 

This salt, already noticed under the head of alteratives (see 
p. 358), is a good caustic application, in saturated solution, or 
powder, to syphilitic and other vegetations. 

ACIDA MINERALIA MINERAL ACIDS. 

The mineral acids (see p. 161) are powerful escharotics, but 
are inconvenient for many uses, on account of the extension of 
their action beyond the point of application. On the other 
hand, they can be made to reach the bottoms of sinuses and 
fistulas, which are inaccessible to the solid caustics. Nitric 
acid, for such purposes, has no equal in the list of escharotics ; 
it is also used to destroy warts. Properly diluted, the mineral 
acids are employed in injections, gargles, &c. ; and, in the form 
of ointment, in skin diseases. 



390 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Sulphate of Copper (sec p. 154), and Alum (see p. 190), 
are mild escharotics, but are used chiefly to remove fungous 
granulations in ulcers. The actual cautery and moxa have 
boon alluded to under the head of Heat (see p. 24). 



order ii. — demulcents. 

Demulcents, or Lenitives, are medicines which soften and 
relax the tissues, and, when applied to irritated or inflamed 
surfaces, diminish heat, tension, and pain. They consist 
chiefly of gum, or mucilage, or of a mixture of these with 
saccharine and farinaceous substances, and form with water 
viscid solutions. Their constitutional effects are principally 
nutritive, though perhaps, to some extent, they relieve irritation 
in distant organs, by modifying the acridity of the secretions. 
Demulcent solutions are administered internally: 1. To sheathe 
and protect the gastro-enteric surface from the injurious effects 
of irritating substances — particularly acrid poisons. 2. To 
relieve irritation and inflammation of the alimentary canal, as 
in gastritis, enteritis, diarrhoea, and dysentery ; and for this 
purpose they may be administered either by the mouth or 
rectum. 3. In catarrhal affections, in which they are probably 
useful, in part, by the transmission of their lubricating and 
soothing effects on the fauces and oesophagus by reflex action 
to the laryngeal and bronchial membranes, and in part by 
modifying the acridity of expectorated matters. 4. In affec- 
tions of the urinary passages, as ardor urinse, cystitis, &c, and, 
in these cases, they act chiefly by diminishing the acridity of 
the secretions. 5. As agreeable drinks, to quench thirst and 
promote the action of the secreting and exhaling organs in 
febrile affections. Their effects in these cases are owing 
partly to the water which they contain, to which they are 
added merely for the sake of flavour, and partly also to the 
nutrient which they furnish. When administered with the ob- 
ject of increasing the proportion of the fluid parts of the blood, 
demulcents are termed Diluents. 6. As light diet for the sick. 



WATER. 391 

7. For pharmaceutical purposes, to suspend substances insol- 
uble in water, &c. 

Externally, mucilaginous solutions are extensively employed 
to relieve the heat, swelling, and pain of inflammations, wounds, 
burns, &c ; to hasten suppuration, where inflammation is too 
far advanced for resolution ; to cleanse foul and scabby ulcers ; 
to promote suppuration from granulating surfaces, &c, &c. 
Mucilaginous and amylaceous substances are applied to in- 
flamed and ulcerated parts, mixed with water so as to form 
soft masses, termed cataplasms or poultices. These are useful 
vehicles of heat and moisture to the skin, and are used also 
as local applications, in rheumatism and gout, and for the re- 
lief of internal inflammations, as when applied to the chest and 
abdomen in pleurisy, bronchitis, peritonitis, dysentery, &c. Ap- 
plied externally, this class of medicines is termed Emollients. 



AQUA — WATER. 

Water has important medicinal as well as pharmaceutical 
uses. The Pharmacopoeia directs it to be employed in the 
purest attainable state, which is rain or snow water ; for phar- 
maceutical purposes, distilled water {aqua destillata), should be 
used. Pure water is a transparent liquid, without colour, taste, 
or smell; but, owing to its extensive solvent powers, in the 
natural state it is more or less contaminated with foreign mat- 
ters. It is now considered to be a compound of 2 atoms of 
hydrogen and 1 of oxygen (H 2 0). 

Effects and Uses. — Water is necessary for the solution and 
digestion of our food ; in either insufficient or excessive amount, 
it may prove injurious. Thus, without a proper supply of 
water, not only the absorption of soluble matters in the stomach 
is interfered with, but also the passage of undigested substances 
into the intestines, and, besides, some articles, as sugar, do 
not undergo the fermentation necessary for digestion. On the 
other hand, an excess of water taken -into the stomach impairs 
digestion, by overdilution of the gastric juice, and will occasion 
the acetous fermentation of saccharine articles. Water is 



392 MATERIA MEDICA. 

eliminated from the system by the intestines, skin, and lungs, 
but chiefly by the kidneys ; and it is believed, in large amounts, 
to increase not only the water, but the solid constituents of the 
urine : hence its use as a diuretic. As it promotes both the meta- 
morphosis and construction of tissue, it may produce a valuable 
alterative effect in morbid taints of the system, and prove a 
useful adjunct to more active eliminative agents. Water is 
the basis of all drinks administered to relieve the thirst of 
fever, and moderate the undue viscidity of the blood which is 
present in inflammation ; it must not be permitted in excess, 
however, as undue amounts may produce nausea, flatulence, 
and even vomiting and diarrhoea. The uses of water, as an 
external agent, have been noticed under the head of heat and 
cold. 

Aqua Acidi Carbonici (Carbonic Acid Water) (H 2 C0 3 ). 
Water impregnated with a quantity of carbonic acid, equal to 
five times the bulk of the water (which may be obtained from 
bicarbonate of sodium or from marble, by means of diluted 
sulphuric acid), often proves useful in allaying nausea and 
vomiting, and is also a good vehicle for some of the neutral 
purgative salts, which are of unpleasant taste. 

ACACIA— GUM ARABIC. 

Gum Arabic is a gummy exudation from Acacia vera, Acacia 
Arabica, and other species of Acacia (Nat. Ord. Fabacese), 
thorny or prickly trees or shrubs of Africa and Arabia. The 
gum exudes, either through natural cracks in the bark, or 
through incisions made to facilitate its exudation, and hardens 
on exposure. The most abundant yield is in the hot and dry 
weather, and is obtained from the sickliest trees. Several 
commercial varieties are known, as Turkey, Barbary, Senegal, 
India, &c, of which the two most important are Turkey gum 
and Senegal gum. 1. Turkey gum comes from the Levant or 
other parts of the Mediterranean, and is the kind usually found 
in the shops. It consists chiefly of small, irregular fragments, 
interspersed with larger pieces, of a whitish colour, which is 



GUM ARABIC. 393 

sometimes slightly tinged with yellow or reddish-yellow. It is 
lighter-coloured, more brittle, more readily soluble, and purer 
than other varieties, and is generally characterized by innumer- 
able minute fissures pervading its substance. 2. Senegal gum 
comes from the western coast of Africa. It occurs in roundish 
or oval unbroken pieces, larger, less brittle, and breaking with 
a more conchoidal fracture than those of Turkey gum, some- 
times whitish, but generally yellowish, reddish, or brownish-red. 
3, Barbary gum comes from Morocco ; it is derived, in part 
at least, from A. gummifera, and consists of two kinds, one 
resembling the Turkey, the other the Senegal gum. 4. India 
gum, though brought from India, is collected on the north- 
eastern coast of Africa, and in the ports of the Red Sea. It 
is in pieces of varying size, colour, and quality, and is often 
contaminated with Bassora gum, which is insoluble in water. 
Gum is also imported into England from the Cape of Good 
Hope, and from Australia. All the varieties are more or less 
transparent, hard, brittle, and pulverizable, and form a white 
powder. They are inodorous, with a feeble, slightly sweetish 
taste, and, when pure, dissolve wholly in the mouth. When 
kept in a dry place, they undergo no change by time. 

Chemical Constituents. — Gum Arabic consists almost wholly 
of a peculiar proximate principle, usually termed Grum, but 
latterly designated by chemists as Arabin. It is soluble in hot 
or cold water, forming a viscid solution, called mucilage, and is 
insoluble in alcohol, ether, and the oils. Alcohol precipitates 
gum from its aqueous solution ; subacetate of lead (which is a 
delicate test), nitrate of lead, and solution of chloride of iron 
also precipitate it from solution, Arabin is now considered 
to consist chiefly of a soluble acid substance termed Grummic 
Acid (H 2 C 12 H 18 O 10 ,H 2 O), combined with about 3 per cent, of 
lime, forming a soluble salt, gummate of calcium. Gums of 
inferior transparency and solubility contain bassorin, an inert 
principle, insoluble in water and alcohol. 

JEffects and Uses. — Gum Arabic is extensively" employed, 
internally, as a demulcent in gastro-enteric inflammation, 
diarrhoea, dysentery, cases of acrid poisoning, &c. ; as a lubri- 



394 MATERIA MEDICA. 

cant to the fauces in catarrhal affections, and also as a vehicle 
for anodynes and expectorants in cough mixtures ; and as a 
diluent in fevers and inflammatory cases. It is not now 
considered to be digestible, and can scarcely rank (as formerly 
supposed) with nutrients. It is usually administered in solu- 
tion (a troyounce to boiling water Oj, to be given when cool) ; 
m cases of irritation of the fauces, it may be taken in the 
mouth, and allowed slowly to dissolve. For pharmaceutical 
purposes, gum xlrabic is much used to suspend insoluble sub- 
stances in water, and in making pills and lozenges. Mucilago 
Acacias [Mucilage of Gum Arabic) — (four troyounces to water 
Oss), — is used in making pills, emulsions, &c. ; it becomes sour 
by keeping. Syrupus Acacias [Syrup of Gum Arabic), — (two 
troyounces to water f§viij, with sugar fourteen troyounces), — 
is used for the same purpose. Mistura Amygdalce {Almond 
Mixture), is made by dissolving a mixture of half a troyounce 
of blanched sweet almonds, 30 grains of gum Arabic, and 120 
grains of sugar, in half a pint of distilled water ; it is a plea- 
sant demulcent and vehicle for other medicines. By dissolving 
equal parts of sugar and gum Arabic in water and evaporating, 
an agreeable demulcent is obtained, known as Gum Pectoral, 
which is sold as an imitation of Jujube Paste. 



TR AG A CANT HA — T RAG AC ANT H. 

This is a gummy exudation from Astralagus verus and 
other species of Astragalus (Nat. Ord. Fabacese). They are 
small shrubs found in Persia, Asia Minor, and countries border- 
ing on the Levant — with numerous branches, covered with 
imbricated scales and beset with spines. Tragacanth exudes 
spontaneously in the hot weather, and hardens as it exudes, in 
forms of various shapes. It occurs in irregular, tortuous flakes 
or filaments, of a whitish or yellowish-white, or occasionally a 
slightly reddish colour, somewhat translucent, resembling horn 
in appearance. It is hard and fragile, but very difficult of pul- 
verization, and has no smell and very little taste. When heated 
with water, it swells and forms a paste, and, if agitated with 



FLAXSEED. 395 

an additional quantity, it forms a uniform mixture, from which 
it is, however, almost entirely deposited, upon standing a day 
or two. It contains two constituents, one soluble in water, re- 
sembling arabin, the other termed tragacanthin, which is pro- 
bably identical with bassorin (C 12 H 10 O 10 ). 

Effects and Uses. — Tragacanth is seldom given internally, 
on account of its difficult solubility. It is useful in suspending 
heavy insoluble powders, and answers better than gum Arabic 
to impart consistence to lozenges. Mucilago Tragacantha? 
{Mucilage of Tragacanth) — (a troy ounce to boiling water Oj), 
— is used in making pills and troches, and for the suspension 
of heavy insoluble metallic substances. 

LINU M — F L A X S E E D. 

This is the seed of Linum usitatissimum v or Common Flax 
(Nat. Ord. Linacese), an annual plant, of the height of two 
feet, originally a native of Eastern countries, but naturalized 
in Europe, and cultivated in all parts of the world. The seed 
and oil are both officinal. The seeds are about a line in length, 
oval, smooth, and glossy, of a brown colour externally, and 
yellowish-white within ; a variety of flax is cultivated in Ohio, 
the seeds of which are greenish-yellow. Flaxseeds are inodo- 
rous, and have an oily, mucilaginous taste. They contain 37 
or 38 per cent, of fixed oil, a large proportion of mucilaginous 
matter, vegetable albumen, and various other ingredients ; the 
mucilaginous matter, which is found chiefly in the husks of the 
seeds, consists, about one-half, of a principle soluble in cold 
water, resembling arabin, and, about one-third, of a principle 
insoluble in water. The Oil (Oleum Lini, or Linseed Oil), is 
obtained by expression from the interior part of the seeds ; it is 
laxative in the dose of foi-ij? but it is chiefly used, externally, 
as an ingredient of Linimentum Oalcis (see p. 371). 

Effects and Uses. — The compound infusion of flaxseed (in- 
fusum lini compositum), half a troyounce to boiling water Oj, 
w r ith liquorice root 5y\ is an admirable demulcent, extensively 
employed internally, in catarrh, bowel-complaints, nephritic and 



396 MATERIA MEDICA. 

calculous complaints, strangury, &c. ; and also, (without the 
liquorice-root), as an enema in dysentery, or an external anti- 
phlogistic application, but after a time it is apt to harden on 
the skin. Decoction is an improper mode of preparing a 
demulcent solution of flaxseed, as boiling extracts part of the 
oil ; but it answers very well when it is used as a laxative 
enema. Flaxseed meal {lini farina) forms a much-used emol- 
lient poultice, which is prepared by adding the meal to boiling 
water, constantly stirring, until it makes a thin and smooth 
dough. The cake, remaining after the expression of the oil, 
retains the mucilaginous and albuminous constituents of the 
seeds, and forms a food for cattle, under the name of oil-cake. 
This is used for making poultices, but it is inferior to the meal, 
made from the seeds which have not been deprived of their oil. 

ULMUS — SLIPPERY-ELM BARK. 

This is the inner rark of Ulmus fulva, or Slippery Elm 
(Nat. Ord. Ulmacese), a lofty indigenous tree, which is found 
throughout the United States, north of Carolina, and grows 
most abundantly west of the Allegheny Mountains. The inner 
bark is prepared for use by the removal of the epidermis ; it is 
found in the shops in long flat pieces, of a fibrous texture, 
tawny on the outer surface and reddish on the inner, of a pecu- 
liar but not unpleasant smell, and a very mucilaginous taste. 
It affords a light, grayish, fawn-coloured powder. A large 
quantity of mucilaginous matter is contained in it, which is 
readily yielded to water, also some mimo-tannic acid. Much 
of the bark lately brought into the market is inferior, contain- 
ing but little mucilage ; it is less fibrous and more brittle than 
the genuine bark. 

Effects and Uses. — Slippery-elm bark is a valuable demul- 
cent, extensively and advantageously employed in dysentery, 
diarrhoea, genito-urinary diseases, catarrhs, &c. It is also 
highly nutritious. Externally, it is an excellent emollient ap- 
plication, in the form either of infusion, or of poultice made 
with the powder. It has been also recommended for the dila- 









MARSHMALLOW. 397 

tation of strictures and fistulae, and, made into a spongy mass, 
as a tent to dilate the os uteri. The infusion — 3Iucilago Ulmi 
{Mucilage of Slippery -elm Bark), — (a troy ounce to boiling 
water Oj), — may be used ad libitum. 

SASSAFRAS MEDULLA — SASSAFRAS PITH. 

Sassafras pith is the pith of the stems of sassafras officinale 
(see p. 285). It occurs in light, spongy, whitish, slender, 
cylindrical pieces, of a mucilaginous taste. It abounds in a 
gummy matter, which it yields readily to water, forming a 
limpid, viscid mucilage. This mucilage (5j to boiling water 
Oj) is a pleasant demulcent drink in dyspeptic, nephritic, and 
catarrhal affections, and is much used as a soothing application 
in ophthalmia. 

ALTHiEA MARSHMALLOW. 

The roots of Althaea officinalis {Nat. Ord. Malvaceae), and 
other Malvaceae, herbaceous European plants, occasionally 
found, too, on the borders of salt marshes in our own country, 
are much used in Europe as demulcents. They are imported 
in pieces, three or four inches in length, of nearly the thickness 
of the finger, light, easily broken, white externally, of a pecu- 
liar faint smell, and a mild, mucilaginous, sweetish taste. The 
chief constituents of marshmallow are mucilage and starch, the 
former soluble in cold water, the latter requiring boiling water. 
It contains also asparagin or malamide (C 4 H 8 N 2 3 ,H 2 0), a 
crystalline principle found in asparagus shoots and other plants. 

Uses. — Marshmallow decoction is employed as a demulcent 
in inflammatory and irritated conditions of the mucous mem- 
branes of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary organs, and 
poultices made of the bruised or powdered root are used ex- 
ternally. 



MATERIA MEDICA, 



SESAMUM — BENNE. 

This is the product of Sesamum Indicum and Sesamum Ori- 
entale [Nat Ord. Bignonire), annual plants, growing to the 
height of four or five feet, with ovate-lanceolate, lobed leaves, 
reddish-white axillary flowers, and an oblong capsule containing 
small, oval, yellowish seeds. They are natives of India, but are 
now raised throughout Asia, and in Egypt and Italy, also in 
South Carolina, and in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia. The 
seeds contain a fixed oil, and the leaves yield to cold water 
a large quantity of mucilage, resembling that of sassafras pith. 
This is a highly-esteemed demulcent drink, used in cholera 
infantum and infantile bowel-complaints. The seeds are eaten 
as food by the negroes in Carolina, in broths, puddings, &c. 
The oil (oleum sesami), which is inodorous, of a bland, sweetish 
taste, and keeps well, may be used internally or externally as 
a substitute for olive oil. 



CYDONIUM — QUINCE SEED. 

This is the seed of Cydonia vulgaris (Nat. Ord. Pomacese), 
a native of Europe, but cultivated in the United States for the 
fruit. The seeds are ovate, angular, reddish-brown externally, 
white within, inodorous, insipid, and abound in mucilage. 
They are used externally, in solution, two drachms to a pint 
of boiling water. 

GLYCYRRHIZA — LIQUORICE ROOT. 

This is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Nat. Ord. Fabacese), 
a small, herbaceous, perennial plant, of the countries around 
the Mediterranean. It is imported from Sicily and Spain ; 
and a portion of the Sicilian root is said to be the product of 
Gr. echinata. As found in the shops, liquorice root is in long 
wrinkled pieces, often worm-eaten, varying from a few lines to 
more than an inch in thickness, externally grayish-brown, 



LIQUORICE ROOT. 399 

internally yellowish, without smell, and of a sweet, mucilagi- 
nous, sometimes slightly acrid taste. The best pieces are of 
the brightest yellow internally. The powder is grayish-yellow, 
or, if it is powdered with the epidermis removed, pale sulphur- 
yellow. The constituents of liquorice root are, a peculiar, 
transparent, yellow, uncrystallizable sugar, termed glycyrrhizin 
(which is scarcely soluble in cold water, but soluble in boiling 
water and alcohol, and is a glucoside, splitting up, when warmed 
with a dilute acid, or upon being boiled, into glycerretin and 
sugar), starch, albumen, an acrid resin, &c. 

Effects and Uses. — A decoction of liquorice root (a troy- 
ounce boiled for a few minutes in water Oj) is a useful demul- 
cent in dysenteric, catarrhal, and nephritic affections ; it is also 
added to decoctions of acrid substances, to cover their taste 
and acridity. It should be made of the root, deprived of its 
cortical part, which is acrid and without demulcent virtues ; by 
long boiling, the acrid resin is extracted. The powder is used 
in making pills (see p. 33). A. fluid extract is officinal. 

Extractum G-lycyrrhiz,e {Liquorice), is made by the 
evaporation of a decoction of the half-dried root. It comes to 
this country chiefly from Leghorn and Messina, and in part, 
also, from Spain ; good liquorice is prepared, too, in New York 
and in England. Crude Liquorice, when good, occurs in black, 
flattened, cylindrical rolls, about an inch in diameter, which 
are dry, brittle, with a shining fracture, of a very sweet, pecu- 
liar, slightly acrid taste, and are quite soluble in water. It is, 
however, much sophisticated, and for internal use is generally 
refined, by dissolving the impure extract in water, without 
ebullition, straining the solution, and evaporating : sugar is 
often mixed with it, and sometimes mucilage or glue. Refined 
Liquorice is in small cylindrical pieces, not thicker than a pipe- 
stem. Liquorice is a pleasant demulcent, much used as an 
addition to cough mixtures and lozenges, and to acrid infusions 
and decoctions. Mistura Gilycyrrliizai Composita {Compound 
Mixture of Liquorice), commonly called Brown Mixture, con- 
sists of liquorice, gum Arabic, sugar, each half a troyounce ; 
paregoric, f §ij ; antimonial wine, f 5J ; sweet spirit of nitre, 



400 MATERIA MEDICA. 

fgsa : water, fSxij ; dose, f§ss. Liquorice enters into the 
composition of several troches already noticed. 

CETRARIA — ICELAND MOSS. 

Oetraria Islandica, or Iceland Moss (Nat. Ord. Lichenacese), 
is a foliaceous, erect lichen, from two to four inches high, found 
in the northern latitudes and mountainous districts of the new 
and old continents. It is obtained principally from Norway 
and Iceland, but is said to be abundant also in New England; 
as found in the shops, it consists of irregularly lobed and chan- 
neled coriaceous leaves, fringed at their edges with rigid hairs, 
of a brownish or grayish-white colour, darker on the upper 
surface, and sometimes marked with blood-red spots. It is 
almost odourless, and has a bitter, mucilaginous taste ; its 
powder is whitish-gray. It gives up its virtues to boiling 
water, and consists chiefly of a kind of amylaceous matter 
(which is coloured blue by iodine, and is termed Lichenin), and a 
bitter principle, termed Cetrarin or Cetraric Acid (H 2 C 34 H 30 O 16 ) ; 
it contains, besides, other principles. 

Effects and Uses. — Iceland Moss is a demulcent tonic, and 
is also highly nutritious. It is adapted to cases requiring a 
light aliment combined with a mild and acceptable tonic; and, 
from its demulcent properties, has a soothing influence in 
inflammations of the various mucous membranes. It is chiefly 
used in chronic affections of the pulmonary and digestive 
organs, in the form of decoction (decoctum cetrarice), (half a 
troyounce boiled in water enough to make a pint), which may 
be taken ad libitum. By maceration in water or a weak 
alkaline solution, Iceland Moss may be deprived of its bitter 
principle ; and it is then used as a mild nutritive demulcent. 

CHONDRUS — IRISH MOSS. 

Chondrus crispus, Carrageen or Irish Moss (Nat. Ord. Al- 
gaceae), is a marine alga, found chiefly on the west coast of 
Ireland, and also on the coast of New England; it is prepared 



STARCH. 401 

for use by washing, bleaching, and drying. As found in the 
shops, it consists of fronds, from two to three or four inches 
long, mostly yellowish or dirty-white, but intermixed with 
purplish-red portions, nearly inodorous, and of a mucilaginous 
taste. It swells up in warm water, and is almost entirely 
dissolved when boiled. Its chief constituent is a peculiar 
mucilaginous principle, for which the term Carrageenin has 
been proposed ; and it contains also some mucus, resins, &c. 

Effects and Uses. — It is a very agreeable nutritive demul- 
cent, useful in bowel-complaints and pectoral affections. It 
may be given in the form of decoction (half a troyounce to 
water, Ojss, boiled to Oj) flavoured with lemon-juice and sugar ; 
or it may be made with milk or cream into blanc-mange, which 
forms an excellent light diet for the sick. By saturating two 
superimposed layers of wadding with a solution of chondrus, 
and drying them in a stove, after they have been submitted to 
strong pressure, a sheet of the consistence of cardboard is 
produced, which, when soaked in hot water, makes an excellent 
poultice. 

AMYLUM — STARCH. 

This term is applied by the Pharmacopoeia to the fecula of 
the seed of Triticum vulgare, the well-known wheat [Nat. Ord. 
Graminaceae). It is a proximate principle, however, which 
pervades the vegetable kingdom, being found in various parts 
of plants, especially in seeds, tubers, and bulbous roots. It is 
obtained by bringing the substances in which it exists to a 
state of minute division, agitating or washing them with cold 
water, straining or pouring off the liquid, and allowing it to 
stand until the fecula which it holds in suspension has subsided. 
It occurs as a white, opaque, odourless, tasteless powder, or in 
columnar masses, of a crystalline aspect, and produces a 
peculiar sound when compressed between the fingers. It is 
insoluble in alcohol, ether, and cold water. Examined under 
the microscope, starch is seen to consist of minute cells or 
granules, varying in size and shape in the different varieties 

26 



402 MATERIA MEDICA. 

of amylaceous substances. The envelope of these granules 
is insoluble in cold water, but is ruptured by beat, so that 
the interior portion is exposed and becomes dissolved ; 
hence starch is said to be insoluble in cold, but soluble 
in boiling water. Starch is C 6 H 10 O 5 . By the action of heat, 
or by long boiling with diluted sulphuric or muriatic acid, 
it is converted into dextrin, an isomeric soluble principle, and 
by the same process this may be converted into grape sugar. 
The same change takes place in grains, after germination, 
through the agency of a nitrogenous principle, termed diastase. 
The test for starch is iodine, which forms with starch-solution 
a rich blue iodide ; with bromine, starch strikes an orange 
precipitate ; nitric acid converts it into oxalic acid. 

Effects and Uses. — The starchy or farinaceous articles form 
an important group of nutrients. Their assimilation is effected 
by the albuminous principles of the digestive tube (salivin, 
pepsin, &c), which change starch into grape sugar. This is 
converted in part into fatty tissue, and is partly fermented 
into lactic acid, which acts as a calefacient. Starch is used 
externally as a dusting powder to excoriated surfaces, as an 
emollient poultice, and in solution as a vehicle for laudanum as 
an enema. It is the antidote for iodine. 



MAR ANT A ARROW -ROOT. 

Arrow-root is a fecdla obtained from the rhizome of 
Alaranta arundinacea {Nat. Ord. Marantacese), a perennial 
herbaceous plant, of the height of two or three feet, originally 
found in the West Indies, and now cultivated in both the West 
and East Indies, Georgia, Florida, Ceylon, and Sierra Leone. 
Other plants also furnish some of the arrow-root of commerce. 
The ROOT of M. arundinacea is a white, fleshy, scaly, articu- 
lated, cylindrical tuber, from six inches to a foot or more in 
length, furnished with long fibres, and giving origin to several 
tuberous stoles, similar to itself. It consists principally of 
fecula or starch, which is extracted from the roots, when they 
are about a year old ; they are washed and beaten into a pulp, 



CANNA. 403 

which is stirred in water, and the fibrous part wrung out by 
the hands ; the milky liquor is strained and suffered to settle, 
and the subsiding mass is dried in the sun. It occurs in the 
form of a light, opaque, white powder, or small pulverulent 
masses, without odour or taste, and is brought to our market 
chiefly from the West Indies, and to some amount, also, from 
Georgia and Florida. The preferred kind is that which comes 
from Bermuda. 

Arrow-root is a pure starch, insoluble in cold water. Its 
peculiar characteristic is the structure and appearance of its 
granules, when viewed under a microscope ; and this affords 
the best means of distinguishing it from other feculse, which 
are mixed with or sold for it. The granules of the genuine 
arrow-root are ovate-oblong, irregularly convex, from the 20*00 
to the t ^q of an inch long, with fine rings, a hilum or central 
cavity, and often short processes or spines. 

Effects and Uses. — Arrow-root is a valuable nutritive de- 
mulcent, forming a very pleasant light diet in bowel-complaints 
and pulmonary and urinary affections. It is also much used 
as an article of food for infants. It is prepared by mixing a 
tablespoonful with a little cold water until it is reduced to a 
paste, and then gradually adding a pint of boiling water or 
milk, or due proportions of each, stirring the mixture at the 
same time. Lemon-juice and sugar, or wine and spices, may 
be added, according to the indication. It is generally made 
with milk, when used as a diet for infants. 

CANNA. 

Canna (known also by the French name of Tous Les Mois), 
is a fecula prepared from the rhizome of an undetermined 
species of canna, generally believed, however, to be C. edulis. 
It comes from the West Indies and Central America, and 
occurs in the form of a light, very white powder, of a shining 
appearance. Its granules are longer than those of any other 
variety of starch, are ovate or oblong, with numerous regular, 
unequally distant rings, and have a glistening or satiny appear- 
ance. It is used and prepared like arrow-root. 



404 MATERIA MEDICA. 



TAPIOCA. 

This is the fecula of the root of Janipha Manihot (Nat. 
OroL Euphorbiacese), a South American shrub, some six or 
eight feet in height, cultivated also in the West Indies, where 
it is termed the Cassava plant. The root is a very large, white, 
fleshy tuber, and is found under two varieties, the sweet and 
bitter ; the latter contains an acrid, poisonous juice (in which 
prussic acid is present), which is, however, volatile, and dissi- 
pated by heat. Tapioca is obtained from the expressed juice 
of both varieties, from which it is deposited as a starchy pow- 
der ; it is afterwards dried by heat, which partially ruptures 
the starch-grains, and causes them to swell and agglomerate 
into small masses or lumps. It occurs in the form of irregular, 
hard, white, rough grains, of little taste, and partially soluble 
in cold water. In boiling water it swells up, and forms a 
transparent, jelly-like mass, which constitutes an admirable 
demulcent article of diet, applicable to the same cases as arrow- 
root. This is prepared by soaking two tablespoonfuls (previ- 
ously washed) in half a pint of cold water for three or four 
hours ; then adding a pint of milk or water ; simmering till it 
becomes soft ; stirring well as it cools ; and flavouring with 
sugar, lemon-juice, wine, and nutmeg. 

SAGO. 

Sago is the prepared fecula of the pith of Sagus Rumphii, 
the Sago Palm, and of other species of Sagus (Nat. Ord. 
Palmacese), small trees of the Moluccas and other East India 
Islands. The immature stems contain a great mass of spongy 
medullary matter, which is extracted in the state of a coarse 
powder ; this is mingled with water, and the mixture, upon 
standing, deposits the insoluble farina, which, when dried, con- 
stitutes sago. The sago of commerce is prepared by forming 
the meal into a paste with water, and rubbing it into grains. 
It is refined at Malacca and Singapore, so as to give the grains 
a fine pearly lustre, and in this state is called Pearl Sago. 



BARLEY. 405 

Pearl Sago is the preferred variety, and is that which is now 
in general use. It is in small grains, about the size of a pin's 
head, hard, whitish, of a light-brown colour, inodorous, and 
nearly tasteless. Common Sago is in larger, duller, browner 
grains, often mixed with a dirty-looking powder. 

Sago is, chemically, a starch. Common sago is insoluble in 
cold water, but Pearl Sago is partly dissolved by it, owing to 
the heat which it has undergone. The only use of sago is as a 
bland, unirritating article of diet. It is prepared by mixing, 
and allowing to stand for half an hour, two tablespoonfuls of 
sago and a pint of water, with the juice and rind of a lemon, 
and a proper amount of sugar ; this mixture is boiled till the 
particles are dissolved, with constant stirring; and afterwards 
wine and nutmeg may be added. 

HOEDEU M — BARLEY. 

Barley, as prepared for medicinal use, consists of the decor- 
ticated seed of Hordeum distichon, and other species of Hor- 
deum (Nat. Ord. Graminacese) ; well-known grains, supposed 
to be derived from Tartary, and now in cultivation in most 
parts of the world. The seeds are oval, oblong, marked with 
a longitudinal furrow, of a yellowish colour externally, white 
Avithin, a faint odour, and a mild, sweetish taste. They con- 
tain starch (about 32 per cent.), gluten, gum, sugar, and a 
peculiar principle termed Hordein, analogous to lignin. 

When made to germinate by warmth and moisture, and after- 
wards baked to deprive them of vitality, barley-seeds are termed 
Malt ; this process increases the nutritious properties of the 
grain, by increasing the proportions of sugar, starch, and gum, 
at the expense of the hordein. Deprived of its husk, the grain 
is termed Hulled Barley, and hulled barley, when ground, is 
Barley Meal. Pearl Barley is the grain with all the invest- 
ments removed and afterwards rounded and polished in a mill ; 
it is thus freed from its fibrous matter, and is the only form fit 
for medicinal use. It consists of small white, oval grains, 
with a dark longitudinal furrow on one side, and yields its vir- 



406 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tuea to boiling water. In the form of decoction, and suitably 
flavoured, it makes an exceedingly bland, demulcent, nutritive 
drink, in levers and inflammatory cases ; (two troyounces, pre- 
viously washed with cold water, are mixed with water Oss, and 
boiled for a short time ; this water should be thrown away, and 
Oiv boiling hot are poured upon the barley, and boiled to Oij). 
A decoction of Malt is more nutritious ; mixed with hops, it is 
termed Wort. 

Aven-E Farina (Oatmeal), — the meal prepared from the 
seed of A vena Sativa (Nat. Ord. Graminaceae), — furnishes a 
pleasant diet for the sick, more nutritious than the pure 
starches, as it contains 16 per cent, of albuminoid constituent, 
with Qd per cent, of starch. It has a slight laxative influence 
on the bowels, and is often administered to assist the action of 
cathartics. Oatmeal Gruel is prepared by boiling from one to 
two troyounces of the meal in three pints of water to a quart, 
straining the decoction, allowing it to stand till it cools, and 
then pouring off the clear liquor from the sediment. It may 
be flavoured with sugar, and lemon-juice or raisins. 

Ortza (Bice), — the fruit of Oryza Sativa (Nat. Ord. Gra- 
minacese), containing about 85 per cent, of starch, and nearly 
4 per cent, of gluten, is an excellent demulcent diet for the 
sick, in affections of the bowels. Rice- Water, made by boiling 
a troyounce in a pint of water for an hour, may be used as a 
drink. 

Zea Mats (the fruit of our well-known Indian Corn or 
Maize), is highly nutritive, containing nearly 9 per cent, of 
vegetable albumen and -55 per cent, of starch. The meal is 
used externally as a poultice (the mush poultice), which is a 
very good application for the maintenance of heat. 

Sale? — the prepared bulbs of Orchis mascula (Nat. Ord. 
Orchidaceae), — consists of small, oval, hard, heavy, semi-trans- 
parent masses, of a yellowish colour, a feeble odour, and a 



LARD. 407 

mild mucilaginous taste. It contains, like tragacanth, two gums 
(one insoluble, the other soluble), and also starch. It is de- 
mulcent and nutritive, and is used in the same way as tapioca, 
sago, &c. The Castillon Powders, consisting of salep, sago, 
and tragacanth (in powder), each a drachm, prepared oyster- 
shell a scruple, and cochineal enough to give colour to the 
mixture, constitute an excellent article of diet in bowel-com- 
plaints. A drachm may be taken boiled in a pint of milk. 

Gelatina ( Gelatin), a solid, transparent, corneous substance, 
obtained from the bones and other tissues of animals (soluble 
in boiling water, and forming, on cooling, a transparent jelly), 
may be noticed with demulcents. When dried, it is found in 
the form of whitish or yellowish, semi-transparent, hard and 
tough, tasteless, inodorous strips. It is used to make soups 
and jellies for the sick, but it is not of easy digestion, and it 
does not nourish the nitrogenous tissues. In solution, it has 
been used as an enema in dysentery and hemorrhoids. In 
pharmacy, it is employed to make capsules for the adminis- 
tration of disagreeable liquid medicines, and as a coating for 
pills. 

Ichthyocolla (Isinglass), prepared from the swimming 
bladder of Acipenser huso (the sturgeon), and of other fishes, 
is the purest form of gelatin. Court Plaster is made by coat- 
ing oiled silk with a solution of isinglass. 

For external, use, the animal fats are employed as emollients. 

Adeps (Lard), is the prepared fat of sus scrofa (the hog) ; 
the internal fat of the abdomen is preferred, which is washed, 
melted, and strained. Below the temperature of 90°, it occurs 
as a soft, white solid, which, for medicinal use, should be free 
from saline matter. It consists of olein and stearin. It is used 
in pharmacy as an addition to poultices, and as an inunction 
in the exanthemata, particularly scarlatina. Cerate (Ceratum) 
(formerly termed Simple Cerate), is made by melting together 
two parts of lard and one part of white wax. Unguentum 
(Ointment), is made by melting together four parts of lard and 



4 OS MATERIA MED1CA. 

one part of yellow wax. Lard Oil (the olein of lard), is a good 
vehicle for anodyne enemata. 

Sevum (Suet), is the prepared fat of ovis aries (the sheep). 
It is composed almost exclusively of stearin. 

Cetaceum (Spewnaceti) 7 is a peculiar concrete substance, 
obtained from Physeter macrocephalus (the spermaceti whale). 
It is the Palmitate of Cetyl (C 16 H 3 3C 16 H 31 2 ), or Cetine. Sper- 
maceti Cerate (Ceratum Cetacei), is made by melting together 
one part of spermaceti and three parts of white wax, and then 
adding five parts of olive oil, previously heated. Ointment of 
rose water (see p. 179) contains spermaceti. 

Cera Flava (Yellow Wax), is a peculiar concrete sub- 
stance, prepared by Apis mellifica (the honey bee). 

Cera Alba ( White Wax), is yellow wax bleached. They 
are used chiefly in making cerates, ointments, and plasters. 



OLEUM THEOBROMJ — OIL OF THEOBROMA. 

This oil, commonly known as Butter of Cacao, is the con- 
crete oil of the kernels of the fruit of Theobroma Cacao 
(Nat. Ord. Sterculiaceae), a handsome tree, from twelve to twenty 
feet in height, growing in Mexico, the West Indies, Central 
America, and South America. The fruit is an ovate-oblong 
capsule or berry, half a foot in length, with a thick, coriaceous, 
ligneous rind, inclosing a whitish pulp, in which numerous 
ovate seeds are embedded, about the size of an almond. Sepa- 
rated from the matter in which they are enveloped, these con- 
stitute the Chocolate-nuts of commerce (see p. 111). They con- 
tain fixed oil (Cacao Butter), Theobromia, and other matters. 
Theobromia is a nitrogenous alkaloid, analogous to caffeina. 
Cacao Butter is obtained by expression, decoction, or the action 
of a solvent. It occurs in whitish or yellowish oblong cakes, 
of the consistence of tallow, and of an agreeable odour and 
taste. It contains a large proportion of stearin, also palmitin 



GLYCERIN. 409 

and olein. It is used in pharmacy for coating pills, and also 
largely in preparing suppositories, for which it is well adapted, 
from its consistence and blandness. 



GLYCERINA — GLYCERIN. 

This is a substance which exists in oils in combination with 
the fatty acids (stearic, margaric, oleic, &c), and is liberated 
from them, when they unite with bases in the process of saponi- 
fication. It is usually obtained in the process for making lead 
plaster, by mixing litharge (oxide of lead) with olive oil and 
boiling water, by which the fatty acid unites with the lead and 
is precipitated, and the glycerin remains in solution. It is 
freed from any lead it may contain by means of a stream of 
sulphuretted hydrogen gas, and is afterwards filtered through 
animal charcoal ; or it may be made more directly by decom- 
posing fats and distilling by steam under high pressure. 
Glycerin (C 3 H 5 3HO), or Glyceric Alcohol, is the hydrate of 
Glyceryl, G-lycyl, or Propenyl. It is a thick, syrupy liquid, 
colourless or straw-coloured, unctuous to the touch, inodorous, 
and of a sharp, sweet taste. When pure, its sp. gr. is 1.26, 
when it contains 98 per cent, of anhydrous glycerin ; the Phar- 
macopoeia directs its sp. gr. to be 1.25. It is soluble in oils, 
alcohol, and water, but is insoluble in ether and chloroform, 
and does not evaporate when exposed to the air, but absorbs 
one half its weight of water. It has remarkable solvent pro- 
perties, dissolving iodine, bromine, the alkalies, tannic and 
other vegetable acids, a large number of neutral salts, and 
many organic principles. Officinal solutions of medicinal sub- 
stances in glycerin are termed Grlycerites (glycerita). 

-Effects and Uses. — Glycerin is a bland and unirritating sub- 
stance. It has the capacity of diffusing itself freely over and 
through organic matter, incorporating itself between organic 
molecules, by which it is absorbed and appropriated. It has 
been used internally as a nutrient and demulcent, and has been 
deemed of value in cachectic, strumous, and asthenic conditions 
in children, but the weight of opinion is against its efficacy 



410 MATERIA MEDICA. 

as an alterative. It is as a topical application that it is chiefly 
employed. As an enema in dysentery, to soften hardened 
mucus in the air passages, in various cutaneous affections, in 
diphtheria, in deafness attended with dryness of the meatus, 
and as a vehicle or solvent for active medicines, glycerin is a 
valuable article. The name Plasma is applied to a compound 
of glycerin (fgi) and starch (gr. 70), mixed at 240° F. ; this 
is used as a substitute for ointments, and is a good excipient 
for pills. 

PYROXYLON. 

Pyroxylon, or Soluble Gun Cotton, is made by adding 
half a troyounce of cotton, freed from impurities, to a mixture 
of 3} troyounces of nitric acid gradually added to 4 troyounces 
of sulphuric acid, and allowing it to macerate for 15 hours ; it 
is to be washed first with cold water, and then with boiling 
water, and, after being drained on filtering paper, it is dried 
by means of a water-bath. Pyroxylon has the appearance of 
ordinary cotton, but is harsh to the touch. It is insoluble in 
water, nearly so in alcohol, but, when freshly prepared, it dis- 
solves in ether, forming collodion ; it is liable to decomposition 
if kept for some time. 

COLLODIUM — COLLODION. 

This is a solution of pyroxylon (200 grains), in stronger 
ether (12J fluidounces), and stronger alcohol (3J fluidounces). 
Collodion is a slightly opalescent, syrupy liquid, with a strong 
ethereal smell. By long standing, it deposits a layer of fibrous 
matter, and becomes more transparent; this layer should be 
reincorporated by agitation, before the collodion is used. 
When applied to the skin, the solvent evaporates, and it forms 
a colourless, transparent, flexible, and strongly contractile film. 
In tbis way it proves antiphlogistic, by driving the blood away 
from a part, limiting effusion, and promoting absorption, and, 
at the same time, acts as an admirable emollient, by protecting 



YEAST. 411 

an inflamed surface from the action of the air. It is a useful 
application to ulcers, fissures, and skin diseases, and erysipe- 
latous parts. It is used also in surgery as a substitute for 
adhesive plaster, and in pharmacy as a vehicle for other medi- 
cines. Iodized Collodion (a very good solution of iodine for 
external application), contains from ten to twenty grains of 
iodine in a fluidounce of collodion. Collodion containing tannic 
acid (gr. xx-fgi) is a good styptic application. 

Collodium Flexile (Flexible Collodion), is made by mixing 
a pint of collodion, 320 grains of Canada turpentine, and 160 
grains of castor oil. This is a softer, more pliable, and more 
elastic preparation, useful in cases where the strongly contrac- 
tile power of ordinary collodion is objectionable. Collodion, 
in all forms, is to be kept in well-stoppered bottles. 

LIQUOR GUTTA-PERCHJ SOLUTION OF GUTTA- 
PERCHA. 

This is a solution of a troyounce and a half of gutta-percha 
in 17 troyounces of purified chloroform. In preparing it, car- 
bonate of lead is employed to free it from colouring matter. 
It is a clear, colourless, or nearly colourless solution, and 
should be kept in well-stoppered glass vials. By the evapora- 
tion of the chloroform, this proves an admirable application to 
inflamed or abraded parts, in skin affections, chaps, &c. ; also 
an excellent protective coating to parts threatened with bed- 
sores or liable to excoriation. 

FERMENTUM — YEAST. 

This well-known product of fermentation is a flocculent, 
frothy, somewhat viscid substance, of a dirty-yellowish colour, 
a sour, vinous odour, and a bitter taste. It is insoluble in 
alcohol or water. Its most important characteristic is its 
power of exciting the vinous fermentation in saccharine and 
starchy liquids, which it owes to the presence of a cryptogamic 
plant, Torula Cerevisice. It is used occasionally in low fevers, 



412 MATERIA MEDICA. 

attended with irritability of the stomach, in the dose of fgss-ij, 
every two or three hours, which sometimes proves laxative. 
Externally ) it is added to farinaceous poultices, applied to 
sloughing ulcers. 



SACCHARUM — SUGAR. 

Sugar is a principle diffused through the vegetable world, 
under many forms, all distinguished by a sweet taste. They are 
divided into two chief groups — Cane Sugar and Grape Sugar. 
Cane sugar is the product of Saccharum officinarum (Nat. Ord. 
Graminacese), a native of tropical countries, cultivated most 
successfully in the West Indies, and to some extent in Louis- 
iana. It has a general resemblance to Indian corn. (Cane 
sugar is made also in France from the beet-root.) The juice of 
the sugar-cane is extracted by crushing and expressing the 
stalks ; it is then boiled with quicklime, strained, and reduced 
by evaporation to a thick syrup, which is cooled and granu- 
lated in shallow vessels. Raw sugar is refined by the agency 
of animal charcoal. When pure, cane sugar is white, crystal- 
lized in translucent, double oblique prisms, very sweet, soluble 
in one-third its weight of water, in alcohol, but not in ether. 
At a heat of 320° F., it melts and cools into a glassy, amor- 
phous mass, known as Barley-sugar ; from a strong solution, 
it can be made to crystallize slowly upon a string as Hock- 
candy. 

The uncrystallizable portion, which is drawn off in the granu- 
lation of sugar, is Molasses (Syrupus fuscus), or Treacle, a 
dark, brownish-black, syrupy liquid. 

Grape sugar is the sugar of grapes and other acid fruits; it 
is also found in the liver and blood of mammalia, and in the 
urine of diabetus mellitus. It may be procured artificially by 
acting on starch with diluted sulphuric acid. It occurs as 
whitish or grayish-white, non-crystalline masses, or as a dense 
transparent syrup. 

Cane sugar (C 12 H 22 O n ) combines with alkalies to form saccha- 
rates. Grape sugar (C 6 H 12 6 ,H 2 0), when boiled with an alkali, 



CHARCOAL. 413 

is transformed into the acid of molasses, melassic acid ; mixed 
with solution of potassa and a weak solution of cupric sulphate, 
it attracts oxygen, and causes the precipitation of a reddish 
cuprous oxide (Cu 2 0). 

Effects and Uses. — Sugar, especially in the form of barley- 
sugar, is an excellent demulcent to relieve catarrhal irritation ; 
much of the cough-relieving action of cough-syrups is due to 
the sugar they contain. It abates thirst, and is used to flavour 
refrigerant drinks. For pharmaceutical purposes, sugar is 
much employed, for its agreeable taste, and also as a preserva- 
tive of vegetable substances, and to protect mineral medicines 
from oxidation. Molasses is slightly laxative as well as de- 
mulcent. 

M E L — H N E Y. 

This saccharine liquid, the familiar product of the bee {Apis 
Mellifica). best used in the form of Mel Despumatum (Clarified 
Honey), is a slightly laxative article of food, and is used in 
pharmacy, and as an agreeable demulcent ingredient in gar- 
gles. 

Saccharum Lactis (Sugar of Milk) (C 12 H 22 O n ,H 2 0), the 
saccharine principle of milk, obtained from whey, is used as a 
bland non-nitrogenous article of diet. By fermentation, sugar 
of milk gives rise to Lactic Acid (Acidum Lacticum), a limpid, 
syrupy liquid, of a pale- wine colour, which has been used in 
certain forms of dyspepsia, and for the removal of phosphatic 
deposits in the urine, in the dose of 5i-iij during the day. 

CARBO LIGNI — CHARCOAL. 

Although not strictly ranking with demulcents, the medicinal 
uses of charcoal may, perhaps, be appropriately noticed under 
this head. Charcoal is prepared by the exposure of wood to a 
red heat without access of air. For medicinal purposes, the 
charcoal prepared from young willow-shoots, for the manufac- 
ture of gunpowder, is preferred. It is a black, shining, brittle, 



414 MATERIA MEDICA. 

porous substance, without odour or taste, and insoluble in 
water. 

Effects and Uses. — It is employed internally as an absorbent 
of acrid secretions, in dyspepsia (in which it is often very useful), 
in gastric irritation, diarrhoea, and dysentery ; dose, from one 
to four teaspoonfuls. Externally, it is used with effect to 
absorb the offensive gases given off by foul sores, in the form of 
poultice, mixed with flaxseed meal, or with bread-crumb, which 
is better, from its porosity ; dry charcoal is sprinkled with ad- 
vantage over sloughing ulcers, and appears to promote the 
separation of the sloughs. 

ORDER III. — COLOURING AGENTS. 

These are employed exclusively for pharmaceutical purposes. 
The following articles enter into officinal preparations, to which 
they are intended to communicate their peculiar colour : 

CROCUS — SAFFRON. 

This is the stigmas of Crocus Sativus {Nat. Ord. Iridacese), 
a small perennial plant, the native country of which is Greece 
and Asia Minor, but now cultivated all over Europe and in our 
own country. In Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, it has been 
raised to considerable extent. The stigmas are an inch or 
more in length, of a rich deep-orange colour, a peculiar aro- 
matic odour, and a warm, pungent, bitter taste ; they contain 
a principle termed Saffranin or Polychroite. 

Saffron is now admitted to possess little, if any, medicinal 
activity, and is used only to impart colour and flavour to 
officinal preparations. 

SANTALUM — RED SAUNDERS. 

This is the WOOD of Pterocarpus Santalinus, a large tree of 
India and Ceylon {Nat. Ord. Fabacese). It comes in roundish 
or angular billets, internally of a blood-red colour, externally 



SPIGELIA. 415 

brown, of little smell or taste ; in the shops, it is found in the 
form of chips, raspings, or coarse powder ; it contains a resi- 
noid matter, Santalin (C 16 H 16 3 ). It is employed solely to 
give colour to spirits and tinctures. 

COCCUS — COCHINEAL. 

This is an insect, termed Coccus Cacti, of Mexico and Cen- 
tral America, naturalized in Teneriffe and other places. The 
female insect, dried, constitutes the article of the shops. It 
occurs in the form of roundish or somewhat angular grains, 
about an eighth of an inch in diameter, convex on one side, 
concave or flat on the other, and wrinkled. Two varieties are 
distinguished, one reddish-gray, the other nearly black, known 
as silver grains and black grains. It has a faint, heavy odour, 
and a bitter, slightly acidulous taste; its colouring principle 
is Carminic Acid (C 14 H 14 8 ). 

Cochineal has had antispasmodic virtues attributed to it, and 
has been used in whooping-cough, especially in combination 
with carbonate of potassium ; close, to infants, a third of a 
grain three times a day. It is employed chiefly, however, to 
colour tinctures and ointments. 



ORDEE IV. ANTHELMINTICS. 

Anthelmintics are medicines which promote the destruction 
and expulsion of worms from the alimentary canal. They act 
in different ways ; some weaken or destroy the worms by a 
direct poisonous influence, others by mechanical means ; the 
drastic cathartics have an anthelmintic effect, from the in- 
creased secretion and exhalation which they induce from the 
alimentary canal. 

SPIGELIA. 

Spigelia, called also Pinkroot, is the boot of Spigelia Mari- 
landica, or Carolina Pink (Nat. Ord. Spigeliacese), an herbace- 



41o 



MATERIA MEDICA 



ous, indigenous plant, found chiefly in our Southern and South- 
western States. The root is perennial, and consists of a num- 
ber of slender fibres ; the stems are numerous, from a foot to a 
foot and a half high, of a purplish colour, furnished with sessile, 



Fio- 33. 




opposite, ovate-lanceolate leaves, and terminate in spikes, bear- 
ing carmine-coloured, funnel-shaped flowers, which appear from 
May to July. The root, as found in the shops, consists of nu- 



SPIGELIA. 417 

merous slender, wrinkled, branching, brownish fibres, attached 
to a dark-brown caudex, and has a faint peculiar smell, and 
a sweetish, slightly bitter taste ; its activity is diminished by 
time. Boiling water extracts its virtues, which are thought to 
depend upon a bitter principle ; it contains also volatile oil, 
resin, a little tannic acid, and other matters. 

Effects and Uses. — In ordinary doses, Spigelia often proves 
anthelmintic, without any sensible effect on the system. In 
larger doses, it purges and sometimes vomits ; and, in excessive 
doses, it operates as a narcotic poison, producing vertigo, 
dilated pupils, convulsions, and death. It is less apt to occa- 
sion narcotic effects when it acts on the bowels, and hence it is 
usually combined with or followed by cathartics. As an 
anthelmintic against lumbrici (or round worms), it is con- 
sidered the most reliable article we possess. 

Administration. — Dose of the powdered root, 5i-ij 5 for an 
adult ; for a child three or four years old, gr. x-xx, to be 
repeated night and morning, for three or four days, and fol- 
lowed by a brisk cathartic ; calomel is sometimes combined 
with it. The infusion is the usual form of administration 
(half a troyounce to boiling water Oj, with frequently senna 
half a troyounce) ; dose fSss-j for a child two or three years 
old, f§iv-viij for an adult, night and morning. The fluid 
extract contains in a fluidounce a troyounce of spigelia — dose, 
for a child two years old, ten drops. The Fluid Extract of 
Spigelia and Senna (made by mixing 10 fluidounces of fluid ex- 
tract of spigelia with 6 fluidounces of fluid extract of senna, 
and dissolving in the mixture 20 minims of the oils of anise 
and caraway, each), is a pleasant preparation ; dose, f§ss for 
an adult, f5j for a child. Under the name of Worm Tea, pre- 
parations containing spigelia and cathartics are kept in the 
shops, as in the following formula : spigelia, Sss, manna, §i, 
senna and fennel each, 5ij> savine, 3ij — to be infused in a pint 
of boiling water, and a tablespoonful given to a child two years 
old, three times a day. 



27 



418 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



CHENOPODIUM — WORMSEED. 

Wormseed is the fruit of Chenopodium anthelminticum, or 
Jerusalem Oak (Nat. Ord. Chenopodiacese), an indigenous, 
herbaceous, perennial plant, from two to five feet high, with 
alternate, oblong-lanceolate, sinuated and toothed, yellowish- 
Fig. 34. 




green leaves, with numerous small flowers of the same colour, 
arranged in long terminal panicles. Wormseed, as found in 
the shops, is in small spherical grains, not larger than a pin's 
head, of a dull, greenish-yellow or brownish colour, a peculiar 
offensive smell, and a rather aromatic, pungent taste. Their 



SANTONICA. 419 

sensible and medicinal properties are owing to a volatile oil 
(Oleum Chenopodii), obtained by distillation. 

Effects and Uses. — Wormseed is a very efficient anthelmin- 
tic, particularly adapted to the expulsion of lumbrici from 
children. Dose, 3i-ij for a child two or three years old, in 
molasses, night and morning, for three or four days, to be fol- 
lowed by a brisk cathartic. The oil is more used than the 
fruit ; dose, gtt. v-x for a child, in emulsion with sugar. The 
expressed juice of the leaves, and a decoction made with milk, 
are also used. 

SANTONICA. 

The unexpanded floweks of Artemisia Cina (Nat. Ord. 
Asteracese), a native of Persia, and of other species of Artemi- 
sia, are used in Europe as an anthelmintic (in the dose of 10 
to 30 grains), under the name of Levant Wormseed. They 
resemble small seeds in appearance, are about a line in length, 
oval, obtuse at both ends, of a greenish-brown colour, a strong, 
somewhat terebinthinate odour, and a bitter, camphoraceous 
taste. They contain volatile oil, resin, and a peculiar principle, 
termed Santonin — Santoninum, which is made by digesting 
santonica and lime in diluted alcohol, adding acetic acid, 
crystallizing, boiling with alcohol, digesting the tincture 
with animal charcoal, filtering, and crystallizing. It is the 
anhydride of a weak acid (C 15 H 20 OJ, and occurs in colourless, 
shining, flattened prisms, without smell, nearly tasteless at first, 
but after a time bitter; it becomes yellow on exposure to the 
light. It is nearly insoluble in cold water, soluble in 250 parts 
of boiling water, in 43 parts of cold and 3 parts of boiling 
alcohol, and in 75 parts of ether. This is the anthelmintic 
constituent of Santonica, and is much employed for a poisonous 
effect on lumbrici ; but, in large doses, it is capable of produc- 
ing serious if not fatal poisoning in man. The symptoms are 
(occasionally but not invariably) vomiting, giddiness, stupor, 
coldness of the skin with clammy perspiration, dilated pupils, 
and, finally, tetanic convulsions. A remarkable effect of san- 
tonin, even in moderate amounts, is. a change in the field of 



420 MATERIA MBDICA. 

vision, so that objects are seen as if through a yellow medium. 
It is eliminated through the kidneys, producing a yellow dis- 
coloration of the urine. Dose, 2 or 3 grains, two or three 
times a day, in the form of syrup. Troches of Santonin (Tro- 
chisci Santonini), are made by rubbing together half a troy- 
ounce of santonin and tragacanth each, and eighteen troyounces 
of sugar, and then, with orange-flower water forming a mass, 
to be divided into 480 troches, each troche containing half a 
grain of santonin. The use of santonin has been suggested 
also in amaurosis. 



AZEDARACH. 

This is the bark of the root of Melia Azedarach, or Pride 
of China (Nat. Ord. Meliacese), an Asiatic tree, cultivated ex- 
tensively as an ornamental tree in our Southern States. It 
has a bitter, nauseous taste, and yields its virtues to boiling 
water ; but, as it is used only in the recent state, it is not found 
in our shops. Its effects are said to resemble those of Spigelia. 
The decoction is the preferred form of administration (four 
troyounces to water Oij, boiled to Oj); dose for a child fgss, 
every two or three hours, till it affects the stomach and bowels ; 
or night and morning for several days. 

MUCUNA — COWHAGE. 

The hairs of the pods of Mucuna pruriens (Nat. Ord. Fa- 
baceae), a West India perennial climbing plant, act as an an- 
thelmintic, by a mechanical penetration of the worms. The 
pods are about four inches long, shaped like the Italic letter f, 
and are covered with brown bristly hairs, which, when 
handled, stick in the fingers, and produce an intense itching. 
For administration, the pods are dipped into syrup or molasses, 
and the hairs scraped off with the liquid, which should have 
the consistence of thick honey. Dose, a tablespoonful for an 
adult, a teaspoonful for a child, night and morning, for several 
days, and followed by a cathartic. 



BARK OF POMEGRANATE ROOT. 421 

FILIX MAS MALE FERN. 

Aspidium Filix Mas, or Male Fern (Nat. Ord. Filicales), is 
an indigenous plant, common to all parts of the world, with a 
perennial, horizontal root, from which spring numerous annual, 
oval, lanceolate, acute, bright-green pinnate fronds or leaves, 
from a foot to four feet in height ; the leaflets are deeply lobate, 
oval, crenate at their edges, and gradually diminish from the 
base of the pinna to the apex. The rhizome is the portion 
used. It is a long, cylindrical caudex, covered with portions 
of the stipes, and, as found in the shops, it is generally broken 
into fragments, of a brown colour externally, internally yel- 
lowish-white or greenish, with a peculiar feeble odour, and a 
sweetish, bitter, astringent, nauseous taste. It deteriorates by 
keeping. It contains volatile oil, fixed oil, resin, tannic and 
gallic acids, &c, &c. ; and ether is the best solvent to extract 
its virtues. 

Effects and Uses. — Male fern possesses tonic and astringent 
properties ; but its chief use is to cause the expulsion of taenia, 
which it destroys by a specific action. Its efficacy in this re- 
spect has been long and well attested, but it is most used to 
destroy the Swiss variety of taenia (borthriocephalus latus). 
Dose, of the powder, 5i-iij> in electuary or emulsion, night and 
morning, for one or two days. The oleoresin (pleoresina filicis) 
is the best preparation ; it is a dark, thick liquid, of a bitterish, 
nauseous, slightly acrid taste — dose fSss to f5i 5 night and 
morning, for a day or two, to be followed by a cathartic. The 
administration of the taeniacide agents should be always pre- 
ceded by a twenty-four hours' fast. 

GRANATI RADICIS CORTEX — BARK OF POMEGRANATE 

ROOT. 

The bark of the ROOT of Punica granatum (see p. 178), is 
used for the expulsion of taenia. It is a powerful styptic, and 
may act in this way. It is given in decoction (two troyounces 
to water Oij, boiled to Oj), dose, f^ij, or more. 



±'2'2 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Oleum Tereeixthix^ (Oil of Turpentine) (see p. 305), is 
used as a remedy for taenia and other worms. Dose, f5j, com- 
bined with or followed by castor oil. 

Calomel (see p. 330), is a valuable anthelmintic, given in 
cathartic doses. 

Brayera (Koosso). The flowers and unripe fruit of 
Brayera anthelmintica {Nat. Orel. Rosacea^), a native of Abys- 
sinia, have been introduced into European practice, as a remedy 
for taenia, under the name of Koosso. The dried flowers occur 
in unbroken, compressed clusters, of a greenish-yellow colour, 
a fragrant balsamic odour, and a faint taste, which after a time 
becomes acrid and disagreeable. They are said to impart their 
virtues best to hot water, and to yield gum. resin, fatty matter, 
tannic acid, and about 3 per cent, of a peculiar principle, 
termed Icosin (C 31 H3gO 10 ), a yellow crystalline body, without 
smell or taste, to which its anthelmintic properties are attrib- 
uted. They are best given upon an empty stomach, after a 
previous evacuation of the bowels, in the dose of half a troy- 
ounce of the powder, mixed with half a pint of warm water. 



R T T L E B A — K A M E E L A. 

This is the glandular powder and hairs obtained from the 
capsules of Rottlera tinctoria (Nat. Orel. Euphorbiacese), a 
small tree of Hindostan and the East India islands. It is an 
orange-red, granular, inflammable powder, with little smell or 
taste, insoluble in cold, and nearly so in boiling water ; soluble 
in boiling alcohol and ether. It consists chiefly of resinous sub- 
stances, to one of which, soluble in ether, and considered the 
active constituent, the name of Rottlerin has been given. 

Uses. — Kameela, or Kamala, is a highly-esteemed taeniacide 
in India, and has been lately introduced into Europe and our 
own country. Dose of the poivcler, 5i-ij. suspended in syrup. 
A tincture (six troyounces to alcohol Oj) is given in the dose 
of foi-iv. Castor oil should be taken after the medicine. 



PUMPKIN SEED. 423 



PEPO PUMPKIN SEED. 

The seed of Cucnrbita pepo, or common Pumpkin, is proba- 
bly the most efficacious remedy known in the expulsion of tape- 
worm. These seeds are oval, flattish, grooved, 9 lines long by 
5 or 6 in breadth, of a light brownish-white colour, a sweetish, 
oily taste, and aromatic smell. They owe their activity to a 
principle soluble in ether, chloroform, and especially alcohol. 
One or two troyounces of the fresh seeds, deprived of their 
outer envelope, beaten to a paste with finely-powdered sugar, 
and diluted with water or milk, should be taken after a twenty- 
four hours' fast, and followed in two or three hours by a dose 
of castor oil. A fluid extract, made with alcohol and glycerin, 
is probably the best preparation ; dose, f§ss-i. 



APPENDIX, 



SIGNS AND ABBREVIATIONS USED IN PRESCRIPTIONS 

R, Recipe, take. 

aa, Ana, (ava), of each. 

ft), Libra, librse, a pound, pounds. 

J, Uncia, uncise, an ounce, ounces. 

g, Drachma, drachmse, a drachm, drachms. 

3, Scrupulus, scrupuli, a scruple, scruples. 

0, Octarius, octarii, a pint, pints. 

f^, Fluiduncia, fluiduncise, a fluidounce, fluidounces. 

fj, Fluidrachma, fluidrachmse, a fluidrachm, fluidrachms. 

TT^, Minimum, minima, a minim, minims. 

Ad 2 Vic, Ad duas vices, at two takings. 

Ad Lib., Ad libitum, at pleasure. 

Add., Adde, addantur, add, let be added. 

Altbrn. Horis, Alternis horis, every other hour. 

Aq. Destil., Aqua destillata, distilled water. 

Aq. Fbrv., Aqua fervens, hot water. 

Aq. Fluvial., Aquafluvialis, river water. 

Aq. Font., Aqua fontana, spring water. 

Aq. Pluv., Aqua pluvialis, rain water. 

Bis Ind., Bis indies, twice a day. 

Bull., Bulliat, bulliant, let it or them boil. 

Cap., Capiat, capiendum, let the patient take it, it must be taken. 

Chart., Chartula, chartulse, a small paper, or papers. 

Cochleat., Cochleatim, by spoonfuls. 

Coch. Mag., Cochleare magnum, a tablespoonful. 

Coch. Med., Cochleare medium, a dessertspoonful. 

Coch. Parv., Cochleare par vum, a teaspoonful. 

Col., Cola, coletur, strain, let it be strained. 

Collyr., Collyrium, an eye-water. 

Comp., Compositus, compounded. 

Cong., Congius, congii, a gallon, gallons. 

C. M. S , Cras mane sumendus, to be taken to-morrow morning. 

0. N., Cras node, to-morrow night. 

Decoc, Decoctum, a decoction. 

De D. in D., Be die in diem, from day to day. 



4'JO APPENDIX. 

Dibb. Alter., Diebus AUernis, every other day. 

Dil., Dilite. dilutus. dilute, diluted. 

Dim., Dimidius, oue-half. 

Div.. Divide, divide. 

D., Doses, a dose. 

Elec, Electuarium, an electuary. 

Enem., Enema, cnemata, a clyster, clysters-. 

Exhib.. Exliibeatur, let it be administered. 

F. H.. Hat haustus, let a draught be made. 

Fil.. Filtra. filter. 

Ft., Fiat.fiant, let there be made. 

Garg., Gargarysma, a gargle. 

Gr., Granum, grana, a grain, grains. 

Gtt., Gutta, guttse, a drop, drops. 

Guttat., Gattatim, by drops. 

Haust., Haustus, a draught. 

Ind., Indies, daily. 

Inf., Infunde, pour in. 

Infus., Infusum, an infusion. 

In j., Injiciatur, let it be injected. 

Jul., Julepus, julepum, a julep. 

M., dlisce, mix. 

Mane, in the morning. 

Mist., Mistura, a mixture. 

Mic. Pan., Mica pants, crumb of bread. 

No., Numero, in number. 

Omn. Hor., Omni hord, every hour. 

Omn. Bid., Omni biduo, every two days. 

Omn. Bih., Omni bihord, every two hours. 

Omn. Man., Omni mane, every morning. 

Omn. Nocte., Omni node, every night. 

Omn. Quadr. Hor., Omni quadrante horse, every quarter of an hour. 

Ph., Pharmacopoeia. 

Pocul., Poculum, a cup. 

P. R. N., Pro re natd, as the symptoms may call for. 

Pulv., Pulvis, a powder. 

Q. P., Quantum placeat, as much as you please. 

Q. S., Quantum sufficiat, enough. 

Quor., Quorum, of which. 

Redig. in Pulv., Redigatur in pulv er em, let it be reduced to powder. 

Repet., Repetatur, repetantur, let it or them be repeated. 

8., Signa, write. 

S. A., Secundum artem, according to art. 

Semih.. Semihord, half an hour. 

Sign., Signatura, a label. 

Ss., Semis, a half. 

Sum., Sume, sumendus, take, let itjbe taken. 

Tabel., Tabella, a lozenge. 

Troch., Trochiscus, a lozenge. 

Trit., Tritura, triturate. 



APPENDIX. 



427 



TABLE OF ANTIDOTES. 



NEUROTIC POISONS. 



Poisons. 

Opium, 
Chloral, 
Calabar Bean, 

Belladonna, 

Stramonium, 

Hyoscyamus, 

Dulcamara, 

Tobacco, 

Lobelia, 

Aconite, 

Digitalis, 

Conium, 

Yeratrum Viride, 

Alcohol, 

Hydrocyanic Acid and Cyanides, 



Strychnia, 
Veratria, 



Antidotes. 
Stomach-pump ; emetics ; cold affu- 
sions : counter-irritation ; strong- 
decoction of coffee ; hypodermic 
injection of atropia ; electro-mag- 
netism ; artificial respiration. 

{ Stomach-pump; emetics; cathartics; 

| cold affusions ; hypodermic injec- 
tion of a morphia-salt ; electro- 

[ magnetism. 



After emptying the stomach, the dif- 
fusible stimuli, especially alcohol. 



The same as for opium ; except that 
ammonia is the physiological anti- 
dote. 

Ammonia; chlorine; cold affusions. 

Tannic acid ; opium; conium; extr. 
hemp; camphor; chloral; calabar 
bean; bromide of potassium; atro- 
pia ; inhalations of ether or chlo- 
roform. 



CORROSIVE POISONS. 



Acids, Mineral and Vegetable, 

Salt of Sorrel, 
Cream of Tartar, 

Alkalies, 

Alum, 

Baryta and its soluble salts. 

Arsenious Acid, 

Soluble arsenites, 

Corrosive sublimate and soluble 

mercurial salts, 
Soluble cupric salts, 

Soluble zinc salts, 



Magnesia ; chalk ; the alkaline solu- 
tions ; the fixed oils ; emetics are 
not to be used. 

Calcium salts. 

Sodium carbonates in solution. 

Vinegar ; lemon-juice ; citric acid ; 
oils. 

Ammonium or sodium carbonate. 

Magnesium, sodium, or potassium 
sulphates. 

Hydrated oxide of iron ; hydrated 
magnesia. 

Ferric subacetate. 

White of egg ; blood ; milk ; flour : 
for cupric salts, also ferrocyanide 
of potassium. 

Albumen; sodium carbonates; mag- 



428 



APPENDIX. 



Poisons. 

Soluble lead salts, 

Tartar Emetic, 

Nitrate of Silver, 

Sulphates and Chloride of Iron, 

Bichromate of Potassium, 



Antidotes. 

f The alkaline or soluble earthy sul- 
\ phates. 

Tannic Acid. 

Chloride of Sodium. 

Alkaline carbonates. 

Magnesia; soap; alkaline carbonates. 



IRRITANT POISONS. 



Cautharides, 

Drastic Cathartics, 

Phosphorus, 

Iodine, 

Bromine, 

Chlorine Gas, 

Creasote, 

Carbolic Acid, 

Asphyxiating Gases, 



Emetics ; opiates and demulcents ; 

oils are objectionable. 
Opiates ; demulcents ; stimulants. 
Magnesia ; old oil of turpentine. 
Starch. 
Ammonia. 
The cautious inhalation of ammonia. 

Albuminous substances. 

Cold affusions; electro-magnetism; 
artificial respiration. 



INDEX, 



Abbreviations,. tables of, 425 
Abies balsamea, 304 

Canadensis, 378 

excelsa, 377 

picea, 377 
Abscesses, application of medicines 

to, 48 
Absinthe, 127 
Absinthium, 127 
Absorption of medicines, 29 
Acacia, 392 

Arabica, 392 

catechu, 170 

gummifera, 393 

vera, 392 
Aceta, 37 

Acetate of ammonium, solution of, 
228 

iron, 153 

lead, 187 

morphia, 62 

potassium, 286 

sodium, 287 

zinc, 156 
Acetic acid, 230 
Acetum, 230 

destillatum, 230 

lobelias, 76 

opii, 61 

sanguinariae, 244 

scillse, 289 
Achillea, 129 

millefolium, 129 
Acida, mineralia, 161, 389 

vegetabilia, 230 
Acidum aeeticum, 230 
dilutum, 230 

arseniosum, 347, 388 

benzoicum, 314 

carbolicum, 181 
impurum, 181 

chromicum, 388 

citricum, 230 

gallicum, 168 

hydrocyanicum, 86 
dilutum, 85 

lacticum, 413 

muriaticum, 164 



Acidum muriaticum dilutum, 165 

nitricum, 164 

dilutum, 164 

nitro-muriaticum, 165 
dilutum, 165 

oxalicum, 166 

phosphoricum dilutum, 199 

salicylicum, 184 

sulphuricum, 162 

aromaticum, 163 
dilutum, 162 

sulphurosum, 163 

tannicum, 167 

tartaricum, 230 

valerianicum, 108 
Acipenser huso, 407 
Aconella, 80 
Aconite, 79 

leaves, 79 

root, 79 
Aconiti folia, 79 

radix, 79 
Aconitia, 80 
Aconitum, 79 

napellus, 79 
Acorus calamus, 207 
Acupuncture, 19 
Adeps, 407 
Adhesive plaster, 307 
.Ether, 95 

fortior, 95 
African kino, 171 

pepper, 200 
Agathotes chirayta, 122 
Age, influence of, on medicinal ef- 
fects, 42 
Alcohol, 192 

dilutum, 194 

fortius, 193 
Alcoholic potassa, 387 
Alder, black, 143 
Ale, 194 
Alexandi 
Alkalies, 362 
Alkaline diuretics, 286 
Allium, 302 

sativum, 302 
Allspice, 204 



430 



INDEX. 



Allyl. sulphide of, 303 

sulphocyanide of, 374 
Almond mixture, 394 
Aloe. 262 

Barbadensis, 263 

Capensis, 263 

purificata, 264 

Socotrina, 262, 263 

spicata, 262 

vulgaris, 262 
Aloes, 262 
Aloin, 263 

Alterative diaphoretics, 280 
Alteratives, 51, 320 
Althaea, 397 

officinalis, 397 
Alum, 190, 246, 390 

ammonio-ferric, 153 

dried, 190, 191 

whey, 191 
Alum-root, 179 
Alumen. 190 

exsiccatum, 191 
Aluminii sulphas, 191 
Amber, 113 
American centaury, 120 

columbo, 119 

hellebore, 215 

hemp, 81 

ipecacuanha, 245 

poplar, 127 

senna, 267 

silver fir, 304 

spikenard, 282 
Ammonia, 195 

preparations of, 195 
Ammonia-alum, 190 
Ammoniac, 107 
Ammoniacum, 107 
Ammonia? aqua, 196 

fortior, 195, 384 

linimentum, 376 

praeparata, 195 

spiritus, 196 

aromaticus, 196, 370 
Ammoniated copper, 155 

iron, 151 

mercury, 335 

tincture of guaiac, 283 
valerian, 108 

tinctures, 35 
Ammonii acetatis liquor, 228 

benzoas, 314 

bromidum, 344 

carbonas, 196 

chloridum, 355 

purificatum, 355 

iodidum, 341 

phosphas, 356 



Ammonii praeparata, 370 

sulphis, 164 

valerianas, 108 
Ammonio-citrate of iron, 153 
Ammonio-ferric alum, 153 
Amygdalus amara, 88 
Amyl, acetate of, 102 

hydruret of, 102 

iodide of, 102 

nitrite of, 102 
Amylene, 102 
Amylic alcohol, 102 
Amylum, 401 

Anaesthetics, ethereal, 51, 94 
Anamirta cocculus, 93 
Angelica-tree, 282 
Angustura, 128 

false, 128, 232 
Anise, 211 

water, 211 

star, 211 
Anisum, 211 
Anodynes, 52 
Antacids, 51, 362 
Anthelmintics, 41, 415 
Anthemis, 124 

cotula, 125 

nobilis, 124 
Antidotes, table of, 428 
Antilithics, 363 
Antimonial ointment, 223, 385 

powder, 224 

wine, 223 
Antimoniated hydrogen, 224 
Antimonii oxidum, 220 

et potassii tartras, 221 

oxysulphuretum, 224 

praeparata, 220 
Antimonium sulphuratum, 223 
Antimony, preparations of, 220 
Antispasmodics, 51, 104 
Apiol, 298 
Apocynin, 293 
Apocynum androsaemifolium, 294 

cannabinum, 293 
Apomorphia, 56 
Apothecaries' weight, 40 
Apples, 248 
Aqua, 391 

acidi carbonici, 392 
carbolici, 183 

ammoniae, 96, 384 
fortior, 195, 384 

amygdalae amarae, 88 

anisi, 211 

aurantii florum, 209 

camphoree, 91 

chlorinii, 359 

cinnamomi, 202 



INDEX. 



431 



Aqua creasoti, 181 

destillata, 391 

foeniculi, 211 

menthae piperita, 210 
viridis, 210 

rosae, 1*79 
Aquas, 34 
Arabin, 393 
Aralia nudicaulis, 282 

racemosa, 282 

spinosa, 282 
Arbutin, 175, 177, 209 
Arctostaphylos uva ursi, 175 
Argenti nitras, 158 

• fusa, 159, 386 

oxidum, 159 

prseparata, 158 
Argol, 258 
Aristolochia reticulata, 124 

serpentaria, 123 
Arnica, 197 

montana, 197 
Arnicina, 197 
Aromatic confection, 207 

powder, 207 

spirit of ammonia, 196, 370 

sulphuric acid, 163 

syrup of rhubarb, 262 
Aromatics, 192, 199 
Arrack, 195 
Arrow-root, 392 
Arseniate of iron, 153 

sodium, 352 
Arsenic, 347 

preparations of, 347 
Arsenici chloridi liquor, 352 

et hydrargyri iodidi liquor, 353 

iodidum, 352 

prseparata, 347 
Arsenious acid, 347, 388 
Arsenite of potassium, solution of, 

351 
Artanthe elongata, 310 
Artemisia absinthium, 127 

cina, 419 
Arteriotomy, 17 
Artificial camphor, 90 

musk, 112 
Asparagin, 397 
Aspidium filix mas, 421 
Aspiration, 20 
Asafetida, 105 
Asafcetida, 105 
Astragalus verus, 394 
Astringents, 51, 166 

mineral, 167, 185 

vegetable, 167 
Atomization of fluids, 46 
Atomizers, 46, 47 



Atropa belladonna, 66 
Atropia, 66 

sulphate of, 67 
Aurantii amari cortex, 209 

dulcis cortex, 209 

flores, 209 
Avena sativa, 406 
Avenae farina, 406 
Azedarach, 420 

Balm of Gilead tree, 304 
Balsam of fir, 303 

Peru, 315 

Tolu, 316 
Balsamodendron Myrrha, 312 

Ehrenbergianum, 312 
Balsams, 314 
Balsamum Peruvianum, 315 

Tolutanum, 316 
Bandages, 19 
Barbadoes aloes, 263 
Barbary gum, 393 
Barberry, 122 
Barilla, 366 
Barley, 405 
Barosma crenata, 312 

crenulata, 312 

serratifolia, 312 
Basilicon ointment, 307 
Bassorin, 393, 395 
Baths, 24, 25 

of iodine, 339 

nitro-muriatic acid, 165 
Bay rum, 195 
Bean of St. Ignatius, 235 
Bearberry, 175 
Bebeeria, 142 
Bebeeru bark, 142 
Belladonna, 66 

leaves, 66 

root, 66 
Belladonnas folia, 66 

radix, 66 
Benjamin tree, 213 
Benne, 398 

oil, 398 
Benzoate of ammonium, 314 

lithium, 369 
Benzoe amygdaloides, 313 

in sortis, 313 
Benzoic acid, 313, 314 
Benzoin, 313 
Benzoinum, 313 
Berberina, 122, 270, 297 
Bicarbonate of potassium, 365 

sodium, 367 
Bichloride of carbon, 103 

methylene, 101 
Bichromate of potassium, 358, 389 



432 



INDEX. 



Bismuth, subcarbonate of, 160 

subnitrate of, 159 
Bismuthi subcarbonas, 160 

subnitras, 159 
Bitartrate of potassium, 258 
Hitter almond -water, 88 

cucumber, 2 72 

orange, 209 
Bitters, aromatic, 116, 123 

astringent, 116, 130 

simple, 116 
Bittersweet, 84 
Black alder, 143 

drop, 61 

ginger, 205 

hellebore, 272 

mustard, 374 

nightshade, 85 

oak, 173 

oxide of mercury, 328 

pepper, 200, 378 

snakeroot, 301 

wash, 328 
Blackberry, 179 
Blennorrhetics, 51, 287, 298 
Blistering cerate, 382 
Blisters, 379 
Bloodletting, 17, 18 
Bloodroot, 243 
Blue gum-tree, 139 

pills, 276, 277, 326 

vitriol, 154 
Boneset, 125 
Borate of sodium, 227 
Borax, 227 

Bordeaux turpentine, 304 
Borneo camphor, 89 
Botany-bay kino, 171 
Bran, 248 
Brandy, 195 
Brayera, 422 

anthelmintica, 422 
Brazilian sarsaparilla, 281 
Bromide of ammonium, 344 

iron, 153, 344 

lithium, 344 

magnesium, 344 

sodium, 344 
mercury, 344 

potassium, 343 
Bromine, 342 
Brominium, 342 
Bromoform, 344 
Broom, 296 
Brown ipecacuanha, 242 

mixture, 399 
Brucia, 232, 233 
Buchu, 312 
Burgundy pitch, 377 



Burgundy pitch plaster, 377 
Butter, melted, 251 

of cacao, 408 

of nutmegs, 203 
Butternut, 262 

Cacao butter, 408 

Cadmii sulphas, 160 

CafTea, 110 

Caffeic acid, 110 

Caffeina, 110 

Caffeo-tannic acid, 110 

Cajeput oil, 204 

Calabar bean, 92 

Calamina praeparata, 156 

Calamine, 156 

Calamus, 207 

Calcii carbonas prascipitata, 371 

hypophosphis, 354 

phosphas prascipitata, 353 

praeparata, 370 
Calcined magnesia, 254 
Calcium, precipitated carbonate of, 
371 

hypophosphite of, 354 

precipitated phosphate of, 353 

preparations of, 370 
Calisaya bark, 130 
Calomel, 276, 277, 330, 422 
Calor, 23 
Calumb, 121 
Calumba, 121 
Calx chlorinata, 360 
Camphene, 89 
Camphogen, 89 
Camphor, 89 

liniment, 91 

monobromated, 91 

water, 91 
Camphora, 89 

officinarum, 89 
Camphorated tincture of opium, 61 
Canada balsam, 303 

fleabane, 292 

pitch, 378 

plaster, 378 

turpentine, 303, 304 
Canella, 128 

alba, 128 
Canna, 403 

edulis, 403 
Cannabin, 82 
Cannabis Americana, 81 

Indica, 81 

sativa, 81 
Cantharidin, 381, 384 
Cantharides, 297, 380 
Cantharis, 297, 380 

vesicatoria, 380 



INDEX. 



433 



Cantharis vittata, 384 
Cape aloes, 263 
Capsicia, 200 
Capsicum, 200, 376 

annuum, 200 

fastigiatum, 200 
Caraccas kino, 171 
Caraway, 211 
Carbo ligni, 413 
Carbolate of potassium, 183 

sodium, 183 
Carbolic acid, 181 

water, 183 
Carbon, tetrabromide of, 103 

tetrachloride of, 103 
Carbonate of ammonium, 196 

calcium, precipitated, 371 

iron, pill of, 146 

lead, 189 

lithium, 369 

magnesium, 254, 370 

potassium, 364 
pure, 365 

sodium, 367 

sodium, dried, 367 

zinc, precipitated, 156 
Carbonates of sodium, 366 
Carbonic acid water, 392 
Cardamom, 206 
Cardamomum, 206 
Carminatives, 192 
Carminic acid, 415 
Carolina pink, 415 

jasmine, 219 
Carota, 296 
Carrageen, 400 
Carrageenin, 401 
Carron oil, 371 
Carrot seed, 296 

root, 296 
Carthagena barks, 131 
Carum, 211 

carui, 211 
Caryophyllic acid, 203 
Caryophyllin, 203 
Caryophyllus, 203 

aromaticus, 203 
Cascarilla, 128 
Cascarillin, 128 
Cassava plant, 404 
Cassia acutifolia, 265 

iEthiopica, 265 

cinnamon, 201 

elongata, 265 

fistula, 250 

lanceolota, 265 

Marilandica, 267 

obovata, 265 

purging, 250 



Castillon powders, 407 
Castor, 113 

fiber, 113 

oil, 250 
Castoreum, 113 
Castorin, 113 
Cataplasmata, 39 
Cataplasms, 31, 39, 391 
Catechu, 170 
Catechuic acid, 170 
Cathartic acid, 266 
Cathartics, 51, 246 
Catharto-mannite, 266 
Caustic potassa, 386 

soda, 387 
Cauterants, 385 
Cautery, actual, 24 
Centaury, 120 
Cephaelis ipecacuanha, 241 
Cera alba, 408 

flava, 408 
Cerasus serotina, 141 
Cerata, 39 
Cerate, 39, 407 

of calamine, 156 

cantharides, 382 
carbonate of zinc, 156 
extract of cantharides, 383 
subacetate of lead, 188 
Cerates, 31, 39 
Ceratum, 39, 407 

cantharidis, 382 

cetacei, 408 

extracti cantharidis, 383 

plumbi subacetatis, 188 

resina?, 307 

compositum, 307 

sabinae, 318 

saponis, 189 

zinci carbonatis, 156 
Cerii oxalas, 161 
Cetaceum, 408 
Cetraria, 400 

islandica, 400 
Cetraric acid, 400 
Cetrarin, 400 
Cevadilla, 219 
Ceylon cinnamon, 201 
Chalk mixture, 372 

prepared, 372 
Chalybeates, 144, 320 
Chamomile, 124 

German, 125 

wild, 125 
Champagne wine, 194 
Chapman's copaiba mixture, 308 
Charcoal, 413 
Charta cantharidis, 384 

sinapis, 376 



28 



434 



INDEX. 



Charta, 34 
Chenopodiam, 418 

anthelminticura, 418 
Ghian turpentine, 304 
Chimaphila, 1 76 

maculata, 178 

umbellata, 176 
China camphor, 89 

cinnamon, 201 

musk, 112 
Chinese rhubarb, 260 
Chiratin, 122 
Chirayta, 122 
Chiretta, 122 
Chloral, 62 

Chlorate of potassium, 356 
Chloride of ammonium, 355 

iron, 148 

solution of, 149 
tincture of, 149 

lime, 360 

zinc, 157, 388 

solution of, 156 
Chlorinated lime, 360 

soda, 360 
Chlorine water, 359 
Chlorocarbon, 103 
Chloroform, 95, 98 

commercial, 98 

purified, 98 
Chloroformum, 98 

purificatum, 98 

venale, 98 
Chocolate, 111 
Chocolate-nuts, 408 
Choke-cherry, 141 

Cholagogues, mercurials as, 322, 323 
Chondodendron tomentosum, 311 
Chondrus, 400 

crispus, 400 
Chromic acid, 388 
Chrysophanic acid, 261 
Cicuta, 79 
Cider mixture, 298 
Cimicifuga, 301 

racemosa, 301 
Cinchona, 130 

Calisaya, 130 

Condammea, 130 

flava, 130 

micrantha, 130 

officinalis, 132 

pallida, 130 

rubra, 130 

succirubra, 130, 132 
Cinchonia, 131, 133 
Cinchonicia, 138 
Cinchonidia, 132, 133 
Cinchonise sulphas, 138 



Cincho-tannic acid, 132 
Cinnabar, 321, 335 
Cinnatnic acid, 202, 313, 316 
Cinnamomum, 201 

aromaticum, 201 

Zeylanicum, 201 
Cinnamon, 201 

water, 202 
Cissampelina, 311 
Cissampelos pareira, 311 
151 

and ammonium, 153 
and quinia, 152 
and strychnia, 153 

lithium, 369 

magnesium, solution of, 255 

potassium, 227 

mixture of, 228 
solution of, 228 
Citric acid, 230 
Citrine ointment, 336 
Citrullus colocynthis, 272 
Citrus aurantium, 209 

limonum, 230 

vulgaris, 209 
Classification of medicines, 50 
Claviceps purpurea, 235 
Climate, influence of, on medicinal 
effects, 43 
on plants, 31 
Cloves, 203 

Clutterbuck's elaterium, 275 
Clysters, 48 
Coca, 111 
Cocaina, 111 
Coccoloba uvifera, 171 
Cocculus chondodendron, 311 

Indicus, 93 

palmatus, 121 
Coccus, 415 

cacti, 415 
Cochineal, 415 
Cochlearia armoracia, 298 
Codamia, 54 
Codeia, 54, 55 
Cod-liver oil, 344 
Coffea Arabica, 110 
Coffee, 110 
Cohosh, 301 
Colchiceine, 290 
Colchici radix, 289 

semen, 289 
Colchicia, 290 
Colchicum, 289 

autumnale, 289 

root, 289 

seed, 289 
Cold, 24 
Colica Pictonum, 186 



INDEX. 



435 



Collodion, 410 
flexible, 411 
with cantharides, 383 
Collodium, 410 
flexile, 411 
cum cantharide, 383 
Collyria, 45 
Colocynth, 272 
Colocynthin, 272 
Colocynthis, 272 
Colombian barks, 131 
Colombin, 121 
Colouring agents, 51, 414 
Columbo, 121 
Compound cathartic pills, 274 

decoction of sarsaparilla, 282 
extract of colocynth, 273 
fluid extract of sarsaparilla, 282 
galbanum pills, 107 

plaster, 107 

infusion of catechu, 170 

flaxseed, 395 

gentian, 119 

rose, 178 

iodine ointment, 339 

mixture of iron, 147 

liquorice, 399 
pills of antimony, 224 
iron, 147 
rhubarb, 262 
squill, 289 
powder of ipecacuanha, 60, 243 
jalap, 258, 269 
rhubarb, 262 
resin cerate, 307 
solution of iodine, 339 
spirit of ether, 114 
juniper, 295 
lavender, 209 
syrup of sarsaparilla, 282 

squill, 289 
tincture of benzoin, 314 
cardamom / 206 
cinchona, 136 
gentian, 119 
iodine, 339 
Condy's fluid, 359 
Confectio aromatica, 207 
aurantii corticis, 209 
opii, 59 
rosae, 179 
sennse, 267 
Confection, aromatic, 207 
of opium, 59 
orange-peel, 209 
rose, 179 
senna, 267 
Confectiones, 33 
Confections, 31, 33 



Conia, 78 
Conii folia, 77 

fructus, 77 
Conium, 77, 

leaves, 77 

maculatum, 77 

seed, 77 
Conserves, 33 

Convolvulus scammonia, 271 
Copaiba, 307 
Copaifera multijuga, 307 
Copaivic acid, 308 
Copper, preparations of, 153 

subacetate of, 155 

sulphate of, 154, 246, 390 
Copperas, 147 
Coptis, 117 

teeta, 118 

trifolia, 117 
Coriander, 211 
Coriandrum, 211 

sativum, 211 
Cornus Florida, 139 
Corroborants, 115 

Corrosive chloride of mercury, 331, 
389 

sublimate, 331 
Cotton, 239 

root, bark of, 239 
Cotula, 125 
Court-plaster, 407 
Cowhage, 420 

Cowling's scheme for doses, 42 
Cranesbill, 175 
Cream of tartar, 258, 286 
Creasote, 180 

ointment, 181 

water, 181 
Creasotum, 180 
Creta praeparata, 372 
Crocus, 414 

sativus, 414 
Croton chloral hydrate, 65 

eluteria, 128 

oil, 275, 385 

tiglium, 275 
Crotonol, 275 
Crowfoot, 175 
Crude camphor, 89 

liquorice, 399 

nitre, 225 

quinia, 138 

sulphur, 252 

tartar, 258 
Cryolite, 366 
Cryptopia, 54, 56 
Cubeb, 309 
Cubeba, 309 

officinalis, 309 



430 



INDEX. 



Cubebic acid. 309 
Oubebin, 309 
Cubic nitre, 226 
Cucurbits pepo, 423 

Cultivation, influence of, on plants, 31 
Culver's root. "265 
Oupri praeparata, 153 

subacetas, 155 

sulphas, 154 
Cuprum aminoniatum, 155 
Cups, 18 
Curare, 94 
Curaria, 94 
Curarine, 94 
Cusparin, 128 
Cyanide of potassium, 87 

mercury, 334 
Cyanhydric acid, 85 
Cydonia vulgaris, 398 
Cydonium, 398 
Cynanchum olesefolium, 265 
Cynips quercusfolii, 169 
Cypripedium, 109 

pubescens, 109 

Dandelion, 294 
Daphne gnidium, 284 

mezereum, 284 
Daphnin, 284 
Datura stramonium, 69 
Daturia, 70 
Daucus carota, 296 
Deadly nightshade, 66 
Decocta, 31, 35 
Decoction of azedarach, 420 

barley, 406 

bittersweet, 85 

blackberry, 179 

cimicifuga, 302 

cinchona (yellow and red), 136 

cotton-root bark, 239 

dogwood, 140 

elder, 268 

erigeron, 292 

geranium, 175 

Iceland moss, 400 

Irish moss, 401 

liquorice root, 399 

logwood, 173 

marsh-mallow, 39 7 

pipsissewa, 178 

pomegranate, 178 

sarsaparilla, compound, 282 

seneka, 300 

uva ursi, 176 

white oak, 174 
Decoctions, 31, 35 
Deer-berry, 208 
Delphinia, 297 



Delphinium consolida, 297 
Demulcents, 51, 390 
Deshler's salve, 307 
Dextrin, 402 
Diachylon, 189 
Diaphoretics, 51, 278 
Diffusible stimulants, 192 
Digestion, 35 
Digitalin, 212 
Digitalinum, 212 
Digitalis, 212, 287 

purpurea, 212 
Diluents, 390 
Diluted acetic acid, 230 

alcohol, 194 

hydrocyanic acid, 85 

muriatic acid, 165 

nitric acid, 164 

nitro-muriatic acid, 165 

phosphoric acid, 199 

solution of acetate of lead, 188 

sulphuric acid, 162 
Diospyros, 178 

Virginiana, 178 
Diplolepis gallse tinctoriae, 169 
Disease, influence of, on medicinal 

effects, 42 
Distilled oils, 199 

water, 391 
Diuretics, 51, 285 
Dogwood, 139 
Dogsbane, 294 
Dolomite, 255 
Donovan's solution, 353 
Dorema ammoniacum, 107 
Doses, modifying effects of, 31 

of medicines, 42 
Dover's powder, 60, 243, 279 
Dracontium, 110 

fcetidum, 110 
Drachm, 40 
Drastics, 247, 268 
Dried alum, 190, 191 

carbonate of sodium, 367 

sulphate of iron, 147, 148 
Drops, 41 

Dryobalanops camphora, 89 
Dulcamara, 84 
Dutch camphor, 89 

East India kino, 171 
Ecbalium agreste, 274 
Ecbolina, 237 
Eccritics, 51, 240 
Effects of medicines, 29 
Effervescing draught, 228 

powders, 368 
Egyptian opium, 53 
Elaterin, 274 



INDEX. 



437 



Elaterium, 274 

Elder, 268 

Electricitas, 26 

Electricity, 26 

Electro-puncture, 20 

Electuaries, 33 

Elettaria cardamomum, 206 

Elixir of vitriol, 163 

Ellis' magnesia, 254 

Emetia, 242 

Emetics, 51, 240 

mineral, 246 

vegetable, 241 
Emmenagogues, 51, 317 
Emollients,^ 391 
Emplastra, 39 
Emplastrum aconiti, 81 

ammoniaci, 107 

cum hydrarygro, 327 

arnicse, 197 

asafcetidee, 106 

belladonnas, 69 

ferri, 146 

galbani compositum, 107 

hydrargyri, 327 

opii, 60 

picis Burgundicse, 377 
Canadensis, 378 
cum cantharide, 377 

plumbi, 39, 189 

resinse, 307 

saponis, 189 
Emulsions, 34 

Endermic application of medicines, 44 
Enemata, 48, 277 
Epispastics, 373, 379 
Epsom salt, 255 
Ergot, 235 
Ergota, 235 
Ergotic acid, 237 
Ergotin, 239 
Ergotina, 237 
Erigeron, 292 

Canadense, 292 

heterophyllum, 292 

Philadelphicum, 292 
Errhines, 45 
Erucic acid, 374 
Erythroxylon coca, 111 
Escharotics, 373, 385 
Eseria, 92 

Essence of lemon, 231 
Essential oils, 199 
Ether, 95 

stronger, 95 
Ethereal anaesthetics, 94 

oil, 114 

tinctures, 35 
Ethyl, 95 



Eucalyptol, 139 
Eucalyptus globulus, 139 

resinifera, 171 
Eugenia pimenta, 204 
Eugenin, 203 
Eupatorium, 125 

aromaticum, 126 

perfoliatum, 125 

teucrifolium, 126 

Euphorbia corollata, 245 

ipecacuanha, 245 
European opium, 53 

rhubarb, 260 
Exogonium purga, 268 
Expectorants, 298 
Extract of aconite, 81 

American hellebore, fluid, 218, 

hemp, 82 
arnica, 197 
belladonna, 69 

root, fluid, 69 
bittersweet, 85 

fluid, 85 
black hellebore, 272 
blackberry, fluid, 179 
broom, fluid, 297 
buchu, fluid, 312 
butternut, 262 
calabar bean, 93 
cimicifuga, fluid, 302 
cinchona, 136 
fluid, 136 
colchicum, acetic, of root, 292 
fluid, of root, 292 
of seed, 292 
colocynth, 273 

compound, 273 
columbo, fluid, 122 
conium, 79 

alcoholic, 79 
fluid, of seed, 79 
cotton-root bark, fluid, 239 
cubeb, fluid, 310 
dandelion, 295 

fluid, of seed, 295 
digitalis, 215 
fluid, 215 
dogwood, fluid, 140 
ergot, fluid, 239 
erigeron, Canada, fluid, 292 
gentian, 119 

fluid, 119 
geranium, fluid, 175 
ginger, fluid, 206 
hydrastis, fluid, 297 
hyoscyamus, 72 
alcoholic, 73 
fluid, 73 
Ignatia, 235 



438 



INDEX. 



Extract of Indian hemp, 82 
ipecacuanha, fluid, 243 
jalap. 269 

liquorice root, fluid, 399 
logwood, 173 
lupulin, fluid, 83 
matico, fluid, 311 
May-apple, 271 
mezereon, fluid, 284 
mix vomica, 234 
opium, 59 

pareira brava, fluid, 311 
pipsissewa, fluid, 178 
quassia, 117 
rhatany, 172 

fluid, 172 
rhubarb, 261 

fluid, 261 
sarsaparilla, fluid, 282 

fluid, compound, 282 
savine, fluid, 318 
seneka, 300 

fluid, 300 
senna, fluid, 267 
serpentaria, fluid, 124 
spigelia, fluid, 417 

and senna, fluid, 417 
squill, fluid, 289 
stillingia, fluid, 285 
stramonium, leaves, 71 

seed, 71 
uva ursi, fluid, 176 
valerian, 108 

fluid, 108 
wild cherry, fluid, 142 
yellow jasmine, fluid, 220 
Extracta, 37 

fluida, 38 
Extracts, 37 

Extractum glycyrrhizse, 399 
Eye-washes, 45 

False angustura bark, 128, 232 

sarsaparilla, 282 
Faradic electricity, 26 
Faradization, 26 
Fat manna, 249 
Fennel, 211 

water, 211 
Fermentum, 411 
Fern, male, 421 
Ferri carbonatis, pilula, 146 

chloridi, liquor, 149 
tinctura, 149 

chloridum, 148 

citras, 151 

citratis, liquor, 151 

et ammonii citras, 153 

et ammonii sulphas, 153 



Ferri et ammonii tartras, 153 

et potassii tartras, 150 

et quinios citras, 152 

et strychnia? citras, 153 

ferrocyahidum, 152 

hypophosphis, 151 

iodidi, syrupus, 150 

iodidum, 149 

lactas, 152 

nitratis, liquor, 151 

oxalas, 152 

oxidum hydratum, 145 

phosphas, 150 

prseparata, 144 

pyrophosphas, 151 

subcarbonas, 146 

subsulphatis, liquor, 148 

sulphas, 147 

exsiccata, 148 

tersulphatis, liquor, 148 
Ferrocyanide of iron, 152 
Ferruginea, 144 
Ferrum ammoniatum, 151 

redactum, 145 
Figs, 248 
Filix mas, 421 
Flake manna, 249 
Flax, common, 395 
Flaxseed, 395 

meal, 396 

oil, 251, 395 
Fleabane, Canada, 292 

Philadelphia, 292 

various-leaved, 292 
Florida arrow-root, 403 
Flowers of sulphur, 252 
Fluid extracts, 38 
Fluidrachm, 41 
Fluidounce, 41 
Fluoride of sodium and aluminium, 

366 
Fceniculum, 211 

vulgare, 211 
Fonticuli, 19 
Forms in which medicines are used, 

31 
Formyl, terchloride of, 98 

teriodide of, 341 
Fowler's solution, 351 
Foxglove, 212 
Frasera, 119 

Walteri, 119 
Fraxinus ornus, 249 

rotundifolia, 249 
Friction electricity, 26 
Frictions, 19 
Frigus, 24 
Fumigation, 40 
Fusel oil, 102, 192 



INDEX. 



439 



Gaduin, 345 

Gadus morrhua, 344 

Galbanum, 107 

Galipea officinalis, 128 

Gall-oak, 169 

Galla, 169 

Gallic acid, 168 

Gallon, 41 

Galls, 169 

Galvanic electricity, 26 

Galvano-cautery, 27 

Gamboge, 273 

Gambogia, 273 

Garcinia morella, 273 

Gargarismata, 45 

Gargles, 45 

Garlic, 302, 378 

Gases, 31, 40 

Gaultheria, 208 

procumbens, 208 
Gelatin, 407 
Gelatina, 407 
Gelsemia, 220 
Gelseminia, 220 
Gelseminic acid, 220 
Gelsemium, 219 

sempervirens, 219 
Gentian, 118 
Gentiana, 118 
Gentiana lutea, 118 
Gentianin, 119 
Gentiopicrin, 119 
Gentisin, 119 
Gentisic acid, 119 
Geranium, 174 

maculatum, 174 
Geum rivale, 143 
Gillenia, 245 

stipulacea, 246 

trifoliata, 245 
Gin, 195 
Ginger, 205, 378 
Glauber's salt, 256 
Glycerin, 409 
Glycerina, 409 
Glycerita, 31, 38, 409 
Glycerite of borate of sodium, 227 

carbolic acid, 183 

gallic acid, 169 

tannic acid, 168 

tar, 306 
Glycerites, 31, 38, 409 
Glyceritum acidi carbolici, 183 
gallici, 169 
tannici, 168 

picis liquidae, 306 

sodii boratis, 227 
Glycyrrhiza, 398 

echinata, 398 



Glycyrrhiza glabra, 398 

Glycyrrhizin, 399 

Golden sulphur of antimony, 224 

Goldthread, 117 

Gondret's vesicating ointment, 384 

Gossypii radicis cortex, 239 

Gossypium herbaceum, 239 

Goulard's cerate, 188 

extract, 188 
Grains, 40 
Granati fructiis cortex, 178 

radicis cortex, 421 
Granville's lotion, 384 
Gray ipecacuanha, 242 

powder, 328 
Greenheart tree, 142 
Green iodide of mercury, 333 

vitriol, 147 
Ground-holly, 176 
Guaiac, 282 
Guaiaci lignum, 282 

resina, 282 
Guaiacin, 283 
Guaiacum, 282 

officinale, 282 

wood, 282 
Guaiaretinic acid, 283 
Guarana, 111 

Guatemala sarsaparilla, 281 
Gum, 393 

Arabic, 392 

Barbary, 393 

India, 393 

pectoral, 394 

Senegal, 392 

Turkey, 392 
Gummic acid, 393 

Habit, influence of, on medicinal ef- 
fects, 43 
Haematics, 51, 320 
Haematin, 173 
Hsematinics, 51, 320 
Hasmatoxylin, 173 
Hasmatoxylon Campechianum, 172 
Hardback, 143 
Haschisch, 82 
Heat, 23 
Hedeoma, 210 

pulegiodes, 210 
Hellebore, American, 215 

black, 272 

swamp, 215 

white, 218 
Helleborein, 272 
Helleborin, 272 
Helleborus, 272 

niger, 272 
Hemlock, 77 



440 



INDEX. 



Hemlock spruce. 378 
pitch plaster. 378 
Hemp. American. 81 
Indian. 81, 293 
Henbane. 71 
Henry's magnesia, 254 
Hepatic aloes, 263 
Heuchera. 170 

Americana, 179 
Hiera picra, 129, 264 
Hirudo decora. 18 

medicinalis, 18 
Hive-syrup, 289 
Hoffman's anodyne, 114 
Honduras sarsaparilla, 280 
Honey, 248, 413 
of rose, 179 

of borate of sodium, 227 
Honeys, 31, 37 

Hope's camphor mixture, 164 
Hops, 82 
Hordein, 405 
Hordeum, 405 

distichon, 405 
Horehound, 210 
Horsemint, 210 
Horseradish, 298 
Howard's calomel, 330 
Hulled barley, 405 
Humulus, 82 

lupulus. 82 
Husband's magnesia, 254 
Huxham's tincture, 124, 136 
Hydragogues, 247 

Hydrargyri chloridum corrosivum, 
331, 389 

mite, 276, 330 
cyanidum, 334 
iodidum rubrum, 334 

viride, 333 

oxidum flavum, 329 

nigrum, 328 

rubrum, 329 

nitratis unguentum, 336 

liquor, 336 
prseparata, 321 
sulphas flava, 335 
sulphuretum rubrum, 335 
Hydrargyrum ammoniatum, 335 

cum creta, 276, 328 
Hydrastia, 297 
Hydrastis Canadensis, 297 
Hydrate of chloral, 63 
Hydrated oxide of iron, 145, 350 
Hydrochloric acid, 164 
Hydrocyanic acid, 85 
Hydrobromate of quinia, 138 
Hygienic remedies, 17 
Hyoscyami folia, 71 



Hyoscyami semen. 71 
Hyoscyamia, 71 
Hyoscyamus, 71 

niger, 7 1 
Hypnotics, 52 
Hypodermic application of medicines. 

' 44 
Hypophosphite of ammonium, 355 

calcium, 354 

iron, 151. 354 

potassium, 354 

sodium, 354 
Hyposulphite of sodium, 163 

Iceland moss, 400 
Ichthyocolla, 407 

Idiosyncrasy, influence of, on medici- 
nal effects, 42 
Igasuria, 232 
Igasuric acid, 232 
Ignatia, 235 
Ilex Paraguaiensis, 111 
Illicium anisatum, 211 
Imagination, influence of, 42 
Imponderable remedies, 23 
India gum, 393 
opium, 53 
senna, 265 
Indian corn, 406 

hemp, 81, 293 

meal, 248 

physic, 245 

poke, 215 

tobacco, 75 
Infusa, 31, 34 

Infusion of American Colombo, 119 
senna, 268 

angustura, 128 

bloodroot, 244 

buchu, 312 

capsicum, 200 

carrot-seed, 296 

cascarilla, 129 

catechu, compound, 170 

chamomile, 125 

cinchona (red and yellow), 136 

cloves, 203 

columbo, 121 

dandelion, 295 

digitalis, 215 

erigeron, 292 

flaxseed, compound, 395 

gentian, compound, 119 

ginger, 206 

goldthread, 118 

hops, 83 

Indian hemp, 294 
juniper, 295 

lobelia, 75 



INDEX. 



441 



Infusion of magnolia, 127 

matico, 311 

pareira brava, 3 1 1 

quassia, 117 

rhatany, 172 

rhubarb, 261 

rose, compound, 178 

sabbatia, 121 

sage, 211 

senna, 266 

serpentaria, 124 

spigelia, 417 

sweet flag, 208 

tar, 306 

thoroughwort, 126 

tobacco, 74 

valerian, 108 

wild cherry, 142 

wormwood, 127 

yarrow, 129 
Inhalation, 31, 40 
Injections, 48 
Iodide of ammonium, 341 

arsenic, 352 

and mercury, 353 

iron, 149, 339 

lead, 188, 339 

mercury, 333, 334, 339 

potassium, 340 

sodium, 341 

starch, 339 

sulphur, 339 

zinc, 157, 339 
Iodine, 337 
Iodinium, 337 
Iodized collodion, 411 
Iodoform, 341 
Iodoformum, 341 
Ipecacuanha, 241 

American, 245 

spurge, 245 
Ipomcea Jalapa, 268 
Irish moss, 400 
Iron, preparations of, 144, 320 

reduced, 145 
Irritants. 51, 191, 373 
Isinglass, 407 
Issues, 19 

Jaborandi, 279 
Jalap, 268 
Jalapa, 268 
Jamaica ginger, 205 

kino, 171 

sarsaparilla, 281 
James' powder, 224 
Jamestown weed, 69 
Janipha manihot, 404 
Japan camphor, 89 



Jateorrhiza calumba, 121 

palmata, 121 
Jerusalem oak, 418 
Jervia, 217, 218 
Jesuit's powder, 135 
Jewell's calomel, 330 
Juglans, 262 

cinerea, 262 
Juice of conium, 79 

taraxacum, 295 
Juices, 31, 37 
Jujube paste, 394 
Juniper, 295 
Juniperus, 295 

communis, 295 

sabina, 318 

Virginiana, 318 

Kamala, 422 
Kameela, 422 
Kelp, 337, 366 
Kermes mineral, 224 
Kinic acid, 132 
Kino, 171 
Kinoic acid, 171 
Kinovic acid, 132 
Kosin, 422 
Koosso, 422 
Krameria, 172 

triandra, 172 
Krameric acid, 172 

Labarraque's liquid, 360 
Lac asafcetidae, 106 

sulpnuris, 253. 
Lactate of iron, 152 
Lactic acid, 413 

Lacto-phosphate of calcium, 353 
Lactuca sativa, 65 

elongata, 65 
Lactucarium, 65 
Lactucin, 65 
Lady Webster pill, 264 
Lanthopia, 54 
Lard, 407 

oil, 408 
Larkspur, 297 
Lartigue's pills, 291 
Laudamia, 54 
Laudanum, 60 
Lavandula, 209 
Lavandula vera, 209 
Lavements, 48 
Lavender, 209 
Laxatives, 247, 248 
Lead arthralgy, 186 

colic, 186 

plaster, 39, 189 

paralysis, 186 



44:2 



INDEX. 



Load, preparations of, 185 

water. 188 
Ledoyen's disinfecting fluid, 189 
Leeches, 18 
Lemon-juice, 230 

syrup, 231 
Lenitives, 390 
Leopard's bane, 197 
Lepidolite, 369 
Leptandra, 265 

Yirginica, 265 
Leptandrin, 265 
Lettuce-opium, 65 
Levant worrnseed, 419 
Lichenin, 400 
Light, 23 
Lignum vitae, 282 
Lime liniment, 371 

solution, 371 
Limonis succus, 230 
Lini farina, 396 
Linimenta, 39 
Liniments, 31, 39 
Linimentum aconiti, 81 

ammoniae, 196, 376 

calcis, 371, 395 

camphorse, 91' 

cantharidis, 383 

chloroformi, 100 

plumbi subacetatis, 188 

saponis, 91 

terebinthinae, 306 
Linseed oil, 395 
Linum, 395 

usitatissimum, 395 
Liquidambar orientale, 315 
Liquids, 31, 34 
Liquor ammonii acetatis, 228 

arsenici chloridi, 352 

et hydrargyri iodidi, 353 

calcis, 371 

ferri chloridi, 149 
citratis, 151 
nitratis, 151 
subsulphatis, 148 
tersulphatis, 148 

gutta-perchse, 411 

hydrargyri nitratis, 336, 38S 

iodinii compositus, 339 

magnesii citratis, 255 

morphias sulphatis, 62 

plumbi subacetatis, 188 
dilutus, 188 

potassae, 364 

potassii arsenitis, 351 
citratis, 228 
permanganatis, 359 

sodae, 366 

chlorinatae, 360 



Liquor sodii arseniatis, 352 

zinci chloridi, 156 
Liquores, 34 
Liquorice, 399 

root, 398 
Liriodendrin, 127 
Liriodendron, 127 

tulipifera, 127 
Litharge, 189 

Lithium, preparations of, 369 
Lithii carbonas, 369 

citras, 369 

praeparata, 369 
Liver of sulphur, 253 
Lobelia, 75, 246 

inflata, 75 
Lobelina, 76 
Logwood, 172 
London paste, 388 
Lozenges, 31, 33 
Lugol's solution, 339 
Lunar caustic, 159, 386 
Lupulin, 83 
Lupulite, 83 
Lux, 23 
Lytta vesicatoria, 380 

Mace, 202 
Maceration, 34 
Macis, 202 
Madder, 319 
Madeira wine, 194 
Magnesia, 254, 370 

alba, 254 
Magnesii carbonas, 254, 370 

citratis liquor, 255 

prgeparata, 370 

sulphas, 255 
Magnesite, 255 

Magnesium, preparations of, 370 
Magnetic electricity, 26 
Magnolia, 127 

acuminata, 127 

glauca, 127 

tripetala, 127 
Magendie's solution, 62 
Maize, 406 
Malamide, 397 
Male fern, 421 
Malt, 406 

liquors, 194 
Mandrake, 269 
Manganesii sulphas, 256 
Manna, 249 

cannulata, 249 

in sorts, 249 
Mannite, 249 
Maranta, 392 

arundinacea, 392 



INDEX. 



443 



Marjoram, 210 
Marrubium, 210 

vulgare, 210 
Marsh mallow, 397 
Marsh's test for arsenious acid, 348 

tartar emetic, 221 
Martial preparations, 144 
Maruta cotula, 125 
Mate, 111 

Materia medica, definition of, 17, 28 
Maticin, 310 
Matico, 310 
Matricaria, 125 

chamomilla, 125 
Mattison's pancreatin, 143 
May-apple, 269 
Mayweed, 125 
Meadow saffron, 289 
Measures and weights, 40 
Mecca senna, 256 
Mechanical remedies, 17 
Meconic acid, 54, 56 
Meconidia, 54 
Meconin, 54 
Medicated syrups, 37 

waters, 31, 34 
Medicines, definition of, 28 
Mel, 413 

despumatum, 413 

rosge, 179 

sodii boratis, 227 
Melaleuca cajuputi, 204 
Melia azedarach, 420 
Mellita, 37 
Menispermia, 93 
Mentha piperita, 209 

viridis, 209 
Mercurial cathartics, 247, 276 

ointment, 327 

plaster, 327 
Mercury, black oxide of, 328 

corrosive chloride of, 331 

metallic, 321, 325 

mild chloride of, 330 

nitrate of, 336 

preparations of, 321 

red oxide of, 328 

yellow oxide of, 329 

with chalk, 276, 277, 328 
Metachloral, 64 
Methyl-ethylic ether, 101 
Methylene, bichloride of, 101 
Methylic ether, 101 
Mezereon, 284 
Mezereum, 284 
Mild acrid cathartics, 247, 259 

chloride of mercury, 277, 330 
Milfoil, 129 



Milkweed, 293 
Mineral acids, 161, 389 

astringents, 167, 185 

tonics, 115, 144 
Minims, 41 
Mistura ammoniaci, 107 

amygdalae, 394 

asafcetidae, 106 

chloroformi, 100 

cretae, 372 

ferri composita, 147 

glycyrrhizae composita, 399 

potassii citratis, 228 
Misturas, 31 
Mixtures, 31, 34 

Modus operandi of medicines, 29 
Molasses, 248, 412 
Momordica elaterium, 274 
Monarda, 210 

punctata, 210 
Monobromated camphor, 91 
Monkshood, 79 
Monsel's solution, 148 
Montpelier scammony, 271 
Morphia, 54 
Morphiae acetas, 62 

murias, 62 

sulphas, 62 
Moschus, 111 

moschiferus, 111 
Moxa, 24 
Mucilage, 393 
Mucilago acacias, 394 

sassafras, 397 

tragacanthae, 395 

ulmi, 397 
Mucous membranes, application of 

medicines to, 44 
Mucuna, 420 

pruriens, 420 
Muriate of ammonia, 355 

morphia, 62 
Muriatic acid, 164 

diluted, 165 
Musk, 111 
Mustard, 246, 374 

whey, 375 
Myristica, 202 

fragrans, 202 
Myronate of potassium, 374 
Myrospermum Peruiferum, 315 

Toluiferum, 316 
Myrosyne, 375 
Myroxylon Pereirae, 315 
Myrrh, 312 
Myrrha, 312 

Napellina, 80 
Narceia, 54, 55 



444 



INDEX. 



Narcotics, 51, 52 
Narcotina, 54, 55 
Xarthex asafoetida, 105 

Natron. 366 
Nauseants, 240 

Nauseating diaphoretics, 278 
Nebulization of fluids, 46 
Nectandra, 142 

Rodiei, 142 
Nectandria, 142 

Nervous sympathy, doctrine of, 29 
Neurotics, 51, 52 
Neutral mixture, 228 
Nicotiana tabacum, 73 
Nicotia, 73 
Nicotianin, 73 
Nightshade, black, 85 

deadly, 66 
Nitrate of cerium, 161 

lead, 188 

mercury, 336, 389 

potassium, 225 

silver, 158 

fused, 159, 386 

sodium, 226 
Nitre, 225 
Nitric acid, 164 

diluted, 164 
Nitro-muriatic acid, 165 

diluted, 165 
Nitrous oxide, 103 
Nitrous powders, 226 
Norway spruce, 377 
Nutgall, 169 
Nutmeg, 202 
Nux vomica, 231 

Oatmeal, 248, 406 
Occupation, influence of, 43 
Officinal, definition of term, 28 
Oil of almond, expressed, 250 

amber, 113 

anise, 211 

arnica, 197 

bitter almond, 88 

cajeput, 204 

camphor, 90, 91 

Canada erigeron, 292 

caraway, 211 

cardamom, 206 

castor, 113 

cinnamon, 201, 202 

cloves, 203, 204 

copaiba, 308, 309 

cubeb, 309, 310 

fennel, 211 

garlic, 302 

gaultheria, 208 

ginger, 205 



Oil of hedeoma, 210 

horsemint, 210 

juniper, 295 

lavender, 209 

lemon, 231 

linseed, 395 

mace, 203 

marjoram, 210 

mustard, 374 

nutmeg, 203 

peppermint, 210 

pimento, 204 

rosemaiy, 210 

rue, 318 

sassafras, 285 

savine, 318 

spearmint, 210 

tar, 306 

theobroma, 408 

thyme, 211 

tobacco, 73, 74 

turpentine, 204, 305, 376, 422 

valerian, 108 

vitriol, 162 

wine, 114 

wormseed, 419 

yarrow, 129 
Oil-cake, 396 
Oils, volatile, 199 

distiiled, 199 

essential, 199 
Ointment, 39, 407 

of ammoniated mercury, 335 

antimony, 223, 385 

belladonna, 69 

benzoin, 314 

calomel, 331 

cantharides, 383 

carbolic acid, 183 

carbonate of lead, 189 

creasote, 181 

iodide of lead, 188 

iodide of potassium, 341 
sulphur, 340 

iodine, 339 

compound, 339 

mercury, 327 

mezereon, 284 

nitrate of mercury, 336 

nutgall, 170 

oxide of zinc, 156 

red iodide of mercury, 324 
oxide of mercury, 329 

rose-water, 179 

stramonium, 71 

subacetate of copper, 155 

sulphur, 253 

tannic acid, 168 

tar, 306 



INDEX. 



445 



Ointment of tobacco, 74 

veratria, 219 

white hellebore, 218 

yellow oxide of mercury, 329 
Ointments, 31, 39 
Olea Europoea, 250 

volatilia, 199 
Oleoresin of black pepper, 201 

capsicum, 200 

cubeb, 310 

ginger, 206 

lupulin, 84 

male fern, 421 
Oleoresinee, 38 
Oleoresins, 38 
Oleum sethereurn, 114 

amygdala amarae, 88 

anisi, 211 

cajuputi, 204 

camphorae, 90, 91 

cari, 211 

caryophylli, 203, 204 

chenopodii, 419 

cinnamomi, 201, 202 

copaibas, 309 

cubebae, 309 

erigerontis Canadensis, 292 

foeniculi, 211 

gaultherias, 208 

hedeomae, 210 

juniperi, 295 

lavandulae, 209 

lini, 395 

menthae piperita?, 210 
viridis, 210 

monardas, 210 

morrhuae, 344 

myristicse, 203 

olivae, 250 

origani, 210 

pimentas, 204 

ricini, 250 

rosmarini, 210 

rutae, 318 

sabinae, 318 

sassafras, 285 

sesami, 398 

succini rectificatum, 113 

tabaci, 74 

terebinthinae, 204, 305, 376, 422 

theobromae, 408 

thymi, 211 

tiglii, 275, 385 

Valerianae, 108 
Olive oil, 250* 

tree, 250 
Opiania, 54 
Opium, 52 

plaster, 60 



Orange flower water, 209 
Orange peel, 209 
Orchis mascula, 406 
Origanum, 210 

vulgare, 210 
Ostrea edulis, 372 
Ovis aries, 408 
Oryza, 406 

sativa, 406 
Ounce, 40 
Oxalate of cerium, 161 

iron, 152 
Oxalic acid, 166 
Oxide of antimony, 220 

ethyl, 95 

lead, 189 

silver, 159 

zinc, 156 
Oxymels, 37 

Oxysulphuret of antimony, 224 
Oyster-shell, prepared, 372 
Ozonic ether, 361 

Painter's colic, 186 
Pale bark, 130, 131 

rose, 178 
Palma Christi, 250 
Pancreatin. 143 
Pancreatinum, 143 
Papaver, 52 

somniferum, 52 
Papaverina, 54, 56 
Paraguay tea, 111 
Paramenispermin, 93 
Paramorphia, 54, 56 
Paregoric elixir, 61 
Pareira, 311 

brava, 311 
Paricia, 132 
Parsley, 298 
Partridge-berry, 208 
Parts to which medicines are ap- 
plied, 44 
Paullinia sorbilis, 111 
Paytia, 132 
Peaches, 248 
Pearlash, 364 
Pearl barley, 405 

sago, 404 
Pennyroyal, 210 
Pepper, black, 200 

white, 201 
Peppermint, 209 

water, 210 
Pepo, 423 
Pepsin, 143 
Pepsina, 143 
Percolation, 35 
Percolator, 35 



446 



INDEX. 



Permanganate of potassium, 358 
Peroxide of hydrogen, 361 
Persian opium, 53 
Persimmon, 178 
Petroselinum sativum, 298 
Pharmaceutical modifications, 31 
Pharmacological remedies, 17, 28 
Pharmacology, 28 
Pharmacopoeia, 28 
Pharmacy, definition of, 28 
Phenylic'alcohol, 182 
Phosphate of ammonium, 356 

calcium, 353 

iron, 150 

sodium, 257 
Phosphide of zinc, 198 
Phosphorated cod-liver oil, 347 
Phosphoric acid, diluted, 199 
Phosphorus, 198 
Physeter macrophalus, 408 
Physostigma, 92 

venenosum, 92 
Physostigmia, 92 
Picrotoxin, 93 
Pill of carbonate of iron, 146 

soap, compound, 59 
Pills, 31, 32 

of aloes, 264 

and asafetida, 264 
and mastic, 264 
and myrrh, 264, 313 

antimony, compound, 224 

asafetida, 106 

cathartic, compound, 274 

copaiba, 308 

galbanum, compound, 107 

iodide of iron, 150 

iron, compound, 146, 313 

mercury, 276, 326 

opium, 59 

rhubarb, 262 

compound, 262 

squill, compound, 289 

sulphate of quinia, 137 
Pilocarpia, 279 
Pilula ferri carbonatis, 146 

saponis composita, 59 
Pilulae, 32 

aloes, 264 

et asafcetidae, 264 
et mastiches, 264 
et myrrhae, 264, 313 

antimonii compositae, 224 

ferri compositae, 146 
iodidi, 150 

hydrargyri, 276, 326 

opii, 59 

quinige sulphatis, 137 

rhei, 262 



Pilulae, rhei compositae, 262 

scillae compositae, 289 
Pimenta, 204 
Pimento, 204 
Pimpinella anisum, 211 
Pinkroot,*415 
Pint, 41 
Pinus palustris, 204, 303 

taeda, 303 
Pipe gamboge, 273 
Piper, 200 

cubeba, 309 

nigrum, 200 
Piperia, 201 
Piperin, 201 
Pipsissewa, 176, 287 
Pitch, 306 
Pix Burgundica, 377 

Canadensis, 378 

liquida, 306 
Plasma, 410 
Plaster of aconite, 81 

ammoniac, 107 

ammoniac with mercury, 107 
327 

antimony, 223 

arnica, 197 

asafetida, 106 

belladonna, 69 

Burgundy pitch, 377 

Canada pitch, 378 

galbanum, compound, 107, 378 

iron, 146, 378 

mercury, 327 

opium, 60, 378 

pitch with cantharides, 377 
Plasters, 31, 39 
Plumbi acetas, 187 

carbonas, 189 

iodidum, 188 

nitras, 188 

oxidum, 189 

praeparata, 185 

subacetatis liquor, 188 
Plummer's pills, 224 
Pneumatic method, 22 
Podophyllum, 269 

peltatum, 269 
Poison-nut, 231 
Poison-oak, 235 
Poke-root, 215 
Polygala senega, 299 
Polygalic acid, 300 
Pomegranate rind, 178 

root, bark of, 421* 
Poppy, black, 52 

white, 52 
Porphyroxin, 54 
Port wine, 194 



INDEX. 



Porter, 194 
Potassa, 386 

alum, 190 

cum calce, 387 

solution of, 364 

with lime, 387 
Potassii acetas, 286 

bicarbonas, 365 

bichromas, 358, 389 

bitartras, 258 

bromidum, 343 

carbonas, 364 
pura, 365 

chloras, 356 

citras, 227 

cyanidum, 87 

et sodii tartras, 259 

hypophosphis, 354 

iodidum, 340 

nitras, 225 

permanganas, 358 

praeparata, 364 

sulphas, 257 

sulphis, 163 

sulphuretum, 253 

tartras, 258 
Potato, 85 

flies, 384 
Potentilla tormentilla, 179 
Pound, 40 
Poultices, 39, 391 

Powder of aloes and canella, 129, 
264 

aromatic, 207 

of ipecacuanha, compound, 60, 
243 

jalap, compound, 258, 269 

rhubarb, compound, 262 
Powders, 31 

aperient, effervescent, 259 

effervescent, 368 

Seidlitz, 259 

soda, 368 
Precipitated carbonate of calcium, 371 

phosphate of calcium, 353 

sulphur, 253 

carbonate of zinc, 156 
Prepared calamine, 156 

chalk, 372, 

oyster-shell, 372 
Pride of China, 420 
Prinos verticillatus, 143 
Proof spirit, 194 
Propylamia, 237 
Prunes, 248 

Prunus Virginiana, 141 
Prussian blue, 152 
Prussic acid, 85 
Pseudaconitia, 80 



Pseudomorphia, 54 
Psychotria emetica, 242 
Pterocarpus erinaceus, 171 

marsupium, 171 

santalinus, 414 
Pulveres, 31 

effervescentes, 368 

Pulverization of fluids, 46 
Pulvis aloes et canellse, 129, 264 

antimonialis, 224 

aromaticus, 207 

ipecacuanha? compositus, 60, 243 
Pumpkin-seed, 423 
Punica granatum, 178, 421 
Purgatives, 246 
Purging cassia, 250 
Pyroligneous acid, 306 
Pyrophosphate of iron, 151 
Pyroxylon, 410 

Quassia, 1 16 

amara, 116 
Quassin, 116 
Queen's delight, 285 
Quercin, 173 
Quercitin, 170 
Quercitron, 173 
Quercus alba, 173 

infectoria, 169 

tinctoria, 173 
Quevenne's iron, 145 
Quicksilver, 321 
Quinamia, 132 
Quince seed, 398 
Quinia, 132, 133 

amorphous, 138 

crude, 138 

hydrobromate of, 138 

sulphate of, 132, 136 

sulphovinate of, 138 
Quinise sulphas, 132, 136 

valerianas, 137 
Quinicia. 132, 138 
Quinidia', 132, 138 
Quinoidia, 138 
Quinoidine, 138 

Race, influence of, 43 
Raisins, 248 

Rectified oil of amber, 13 
Red bark, 130, 131 

cedar, 318 

iodide of mercury, 334 

ipecacuanha, 242 

oxide of mercury, 329 

precipitate, 329 

rose, 178 

saunders, 414 



448 



INDEX. 



Rod sulphuret of mercury, 335 
Refined camphor, S9 

nitre. 225 
Refrigerant diaphoretics, 278 
Refrigerants. 212. 227 
Reinscb's test for arsenious acid, 349 
Remedies, definition of, 17 

division of, 17, 

hygienic, 17 

imponderable, 17, 23 

mechanical, ] 7 

pharmacological, 17, 28 
Resin, 307 

cerate, 307 

of jalap, 269 

of May-apple, 271 

of scammony, 271 

plaster, 307 
Resina, 307 
Rhatany, 172 
Rheum, 259 

officinale, 259, 260 

palmatum, 259 

Rhaponticum, 260 
Rhigolene, 101 
Rhodeoretin, 269 
Rhoeadinia, 54 
Rhceagenia, 54 
Rhubarb, 259 
Rhus toxicodendron, 235 
Rice, 406 
Ricinolein, 251 
Ricinus communis, 250 
Rio Negro sarsaparilla, 281 
Rochelle salt, 259 
Rosa centifolia, 178 

Gallica, 178 
Rosemary, 210 
Rose-water, 179 
Rosin, 307 
Rosmarinus, 210 

officinalis, 210 
Rottlera, 422 

tinctoria, 422 
Rottlerin, 422 
Rubefacients, 192, 373 
Rubia, 319 

tinctorum, 319 
Rubas, 179 

Canadensis, 179 

villosus, 179 
Rue, 318 
Rufus' pills, 264 
Rum, 195 
Russian musk, 112 

rhubarb, 260 
Ruta, 318 

graveolens, 318 
Rye, 235 



Sabbatia, 120. 

angularis, 120 
Sabina, 318 
Saccharum, 412 

lactis, 413 

otficinarum, 412 
. Sat urn i, 187 
Saffranin, 414 
Saffron, 414 
Sage, 210 
Sago, 404 

palm, 404 
Sagus Rumphii, 404 
Sal ammoniac, 355 

diureticus, 286 

prunelle, 225 
Salep, 406 
Salicin, 141 
Salicylic acid, 184 
Saline cathartics, 247, 254 

diuretics, 286 
Salix, 141 

alba, 141 
Salt of Riverius, 227 

sorrel, 166 

tartar, 365 
Saltpetre, 225 
Salvia, 210 

officinalis, 210 
Sambucus, 268 

Canadensis, 268 
Sanguinaria, 243 

Canadensis, 243 
Sanguinarina, 243 
Sanguisuga officinalis, 18 
Santalin, 415 
Santalum, 414 
Santonica, 419 
Santonin, 419 
Santoninum, 419 
Sarothamnus scoparius, 296 
Sarsaparilla, 280 

false, 282 
Sarsaparillin, 281 
Sassafras, 285 

medulla, 396 

officinale, 285 

pith, 396 
Savine, 318 
Scabious, 292 
Scammonin, 271 
Scammonium, 271 
Scammony, 271 
Scarifications, 19 
Scheffer's pepsin, 143 
Scilla, 288, 303 

maritima, 288 
Scoparin, 296 
Scoparius, 296 



INDEX. 



449 



Scruple, 40 

Scudamore's draught, 291 

Scutellaria, 109 

laterifoiia, 109 
Season of gathering, influence of on 

plants, 31 
Seaside grape, 1 T 1 
Secale cereale, 235 
Secalia, 237 
Sedatives, 51, 212 
Seidlitz powders, 259 
Semi-solids, 31, 38 
Senega, 299 
Senegal gum, 392 
Seneka, 299 
Senna, 265 

American, 267 
Sennepicrin, 266 
Serous membranes, application of 

medicines to, 48 
Serpentaria, 123 
Sesamum, 398 

Indicum, 398 

orientale, 398 
Setacea, 19 
Setons, 19 
Sevum, 408 

Sex, influence of, on medicinal ef- 
fects, 42 
Sherry wine, 194 
Sialagogues, 323 
Signs and abbreviations, 425 
Silicate of potassium, 369 

sodium, 368 
Silver, preparations of, 158 

fir, American, 304 
European, 377 
Simaruba, 117 

excelsa, 116 

officinalis, 117 . 
Sinalbin, 374 
Sinapis, 246, 374 

alba, 246, 374 

nigra, 246, 374 
Sinapism, 375. 

Skin, application of medicines to, 44 
Skullcap, 109 
Skunk cabbage, 110 
Slippery elm, 396 

bark, 396 
Smelling salt, 197 
Smilacin, 281 
Smilax officinalis,. 280 
Smyrna opium, 53 
Snakeroot, black, 301 

seneka, 299 

Virginia, 123 
Soap cerate, 189 

liniment, 91 



Soap plaster, 189 
Socotrine aloes, 263 
Soda, 387 

powders, 368 

solution of, 366 
Sodae liquor, 366 
Sodii acetas, 287 

bicarbonas, 367 
venalis, 368 

boras, 227 

carbonas, 367 

exsiccata, 367 

hypophosphis, 354 

iodidum, 341 

nitras, 226 

phosphas, 257 

prseparata, 366 

silicas, 368 

sulphas, 256 

sulphis, 163 
Sodium, acetate of, 287 

bicarbonate of, 367 

borate of, 227 

carbonate of, 367 
dried, 367 

hypophosphite of, 354 

hyposulphite of, 163 

iodide of, 341 

nitrate of, 226 

phosphate of, 257 • . 

preparations of, 366 

silicate of, 368 

sulphate of, 256 

sulphite of, 163 
Soil, influence of, on plants,. 31 
Solania, 85 
Solanum dulcamara, 84 

nigrum, 85 

tuberosum, 85 
Solids, 31 
Solubility, influence of, on medicines, 

31 
Soluble glass, 368 

gun-cotton, 410 

tartar, 258 
Solution of acetate of ammonium, 228 

arseniate of sodium, 352 

arsenite of potassium, 351 

chloride of arsenic, 352 
iron, 149 
zinc, 156 

chlorinated soda, 360 

citrate of iron, 151 
magnesium, 255 
potassium, 228 

gutta-percha, 411 

iodide of arsenic and mercury, 
353 

iodine compound, 339 



29 



450 



INDEX. 



Solution of lime, 371 

nitrate of iron, 151 

of mercury, 336, 389 

permanganate of potassium, 359 

potassa, 364 

soda, 366 

subacetate of lead, 188 
diluted, 188 

subsulphate of iron, 148 

sulphate of morphia, 62 

tersulphate of iron, 148 
Solutions, 31, 34 
Soporifics, 52 
South American kino, 171 
Spanish fly, 380 
Sparteia, 296 
Spastics, 231 
Spearmint, 210 

water, 210 
Spermaceti, 408 

cerate, 408 
Spice plaster, 378 
Spiced syrup of rhubarb, 262 
Spigelia, 415 

Marilandica, 415 
Spikenard, American, 282 

small, 282 
Spinants, 51, 231 
Spiraea tomentosa, 143 
Spirit of ammonia, 196 

aromatic, 196, 370 

anise, 211 

camphor, 91 

chloroform, 100 

cinnamon, 202 

ether, compound, 114 

juniper, 295 

compound, 295 

lavender, 209 

compound, 209 

lemon, 231 

Mindererus, 228 

myrcia, 195 

nitrous ether, 229 

nutmeg, 203 

peppermint, 210 

spearmint, 210 
Spirits, 31, 36 
Spiritus, 36 

setheris compositus, 114 
nitrosi, 229 

ammonias, 196 

aromaticus, 196, 370 

camphorse, 91 

chloroformi, 100 

cinnamomi, 202 

frumenti, 195 

juniperi, 195, 295 
compositus, 295 



Spiritus lavanduke, 209 
compositus, 209 

mentha? piperitse, 210 
viridis, 210 

Mindereri, 228 

rnyrcise, 195 

myristicse, 203 

sacchari, 195 

vini -.Gallici, 195 
Spruce, hemlock, 378 

Norway, 377 
Spurge, ipecacuanha, 245 

large flowering, 245 
Squill, 288, 303 
Squirting cucumber, 274 
St. Ignatius' bean, 235 
Star anise, 211 
Starch, 401 
Static electricity, 26 
Sternutatories, 45 
Stillingia, 285 

sylvatica, 285 
Stimulants, 51, 191 

diffusible, 192 
Stimulating diaphoretics, 278 
Stomach, influence of condition of, 

43 
Stomachics, 192 
Storax, 315 
Stramonii folia, 69 

semen, 69 
Stramonium, 69 

leaves, 69 
seed, 69 
Stronger alcohol, 193 

ether, 95 
Strychnia, 232 
Strychnia? sulphas, 233 
Strychnos nux vomica, 231 

Ignatia, 235 
Styrax, 315 

benzoin, 313 
Styrol, 315 
Subacetate of copper, 155 

lead, solution of, 188 
Subcarbonate of bismuth, 160 

iron, 146 
Sublimed sulphur, 252 
Subnitrate of bismuth, 159 
Succi, 37 

Succinic acid, 113 
Succinum, 113 
Succus conii, 79 

limonis, 230 

taraxaci, 295 
Sudorifics, 278 
Suet, 408 
Sugar, 412 

of lead, 187 



INDEX. 



451 



Sugar of milk, 413 
Sulphate of aluminium, 191 

aluminium and potassium, 190 

bebeeria, 142 

cadmium, 160 

cinchonia, 138 

copper, 154, 246, 390 

iron, 147 

dried, 147, 148 
and ammonium, 153 

magnesium, 255 

manganese, 256 

mercury, yellow, 335 

morphia, 62 

potassium, 257 

quinia, 136 

quinidia, 133 

sodium, 256 

strychnia, 233 

zinc, 155, 246 
Sulphite of ammonium, 164 

calcium, 164 

magnesium, 164 

potassium, 163 

sodium, 163 
Sulpho-carbolates, 183 
Sulpho-carbolic acid, 183 
Sulpho-cyauide of allyl, 374 
Sulphovinate of quinia, 138 
Sulphur, 252 

lotum, 252 

praecipitatum, 253 

sublimatum, 252 
Sulphurated antimony, 223 
Sulphuret of mercury, red, 335 

potassium, 253 
Sulphuric acid, 162 

aromatic, 163 
diluted, 162 

ether, 95 
Sulphuris iodidum, 339 
Sulphurous acid, 163 
Suppositories, 31, 38, 48 

of aloes, 264 

asafetida, 106 

belladonna, 69 

carbolic acid, 183 

lead, 188 

lead and opium, 60 

morphia, 62 

opium, 60 
Suppurants, 373, 385 
Sus scrofa, 407 
Swamp hellebore, 215 
Sweet flag, 207 

orange peel, 200 

spirit of nitre, 229 
Sydenham's laudanum, 62 
Sympl'ocarpus foetidus, 110 



Syrup, 37 

of almond, 88 

blackberry, 179 

citric acid, 231 

garlic, 303 

ginger, 206 

gum Arabic, 394 

hypophosphites, 355 

iodide of iron, 150 

ipecacuanha, 243 

lactucarium, 65 

lemon, 231 

orange flowers, 209 
peel, 209 

poppy, 53 

red rose, 179 

rhatany, 172 

rhubarb, 262 

aromatic, 262 

sarsaparilla, compound, 282 

seneka, 300 

squill, 289 

compound, 289 

tar, 306 

Tolu, 316 

wild-cherry, 142 
Syrupi, 37 
Syrups, 31, 37 
Syrupus, 37 

fuscus, 412 

Tabacum, 73 
Tablespoon, 41 
Tamarind, 248 
Tamarindus, 248 

Indica, 248 
Tannate of iron, 153 
Tannic acid, 167 
Tapioca, 404 
Tar, 306 

water, 306 
Taraxacin, 295 
Taraxacum, 294 

dens-leonis, 294 
Tartar emetic, 221, 24S 
Tartaric acid, 230, 231 
Tartarized antimony, 221 
Tartrate of antimony and potassium, 
221 

iron and ammonium, 153 

potassium, 150 

potassium, 258 

potassium and sodium, 259 
Tea, 110 
Teacup, 41 
Teaberry, 208 
Teaspoon, 41 

Temperament, influence of, on medi- 
cinal effects, 42 



452 



INDEX. 



Terebinthina, 303 
Terra Japonica, 170 
Testa prseparata, 372 
Tetrabromide of carbon, 103 
Tetrachloride of carbon, 103 
Thea. 110 

Chinensis, 110 
Thebaia, 56 
Thebolactic acid, 54: 
Theina, 110 
Theobroma, 111 

cacao, 408 
Theobroniia, 111, 408 
Therapeutics, definition of, 2! 
Thornapple, 69 
Thoroughwort, 125 
Thyme, 211 
Thymol, 211 
Thymus, 211 

vulgaris, 211 
Tiglic acid, 275 
Tinctura?, 35 
Tincture of aconite root, 81 

aloes, 264 

and myrrh, 264 

American hellebore, 218 

arnica, 197 

asafetida, 106 

belladonna, 69 

benzoin, 314 

compound, 314 

black hellebore, 272 

bloodroot, 244 

calabar bean, 93 

cantharides, 297 

capsicum, 200 

cardamom, 206 

compound, 206 

castor, 113 

catechu, 171 

chloride of iron, 149 

cinchona, 136 

compound, 136 

cinnamon, 202 

colchicum, 292 

columbo, 121 

conium, 79 

cubeb, 310 

digitalis, 215 

eucalyptus, 139 

gentian, compound, 119 

ginger, 206 

goldthread, 118 

guaiac, 283 

ammoniated, 283 

hops, 83 

hyo.scyamus. 73 

Indian hemp, 82 

iodine, '•!'■}') 



Tincture of iodine, compound, 339 

jalap. 269 

kino, 171 

lobelia, 76 

lupulin, 83 

myrrh, 313 

nutgall, 170 

nux vomica, 234 

opium, 60 

acetated, 61 
camphorated, 61 
deodorized, 61 

orange-peel, 209 

quassia, 117 

rhatauy, 172 

rhubarb, 261 

and aloes, 261 
and gentian, 261 
and senna, 261 

serpentaria, 124 

squill, 289 

stramonium, 71 

Tolu, 316 

valerian, 108 

ammoniated, 108 

yellow jasmine, 220 
Tinctures, 31, 35 
Tinnevelly senna, 266 
Tobacco, 73, 246 
Tolu, balsam of, 316 
Tonics, 51, 115 

mineral, 115, 144 

vegetable, 115, 116 
Topical medicines, 51, 373 
Tormentil, 179 
Tormentilla, 179 
Tous les mois, 403 
Toxicodendric acid, 235 
Toxicodendron, 235 
Tragacanth, 394 
Tragacantha, 394 
Tragacanthin, 395 
Transfusion of blood, 49 
Tremor mercurialis, 322 
Trimethylamia, 237, 345 
Tripoli senna, 265 
Troches, 31, 33 

of bicarbonate of sodium, 368 

chalk, 372 

chlorate of potassium, 357 

cubeb, 310 

ginger, 206 

ipecacuanha, 243 

liquorice and opium, 59 

magnesia, 370 

morphia and ipecacuanha, 62 

peppermint, 210 

santonin, 420 

subcarbonate of iron, 146 



INDEX. 



453 



Troches of tannic acid, 168 
Trochisci, 33 
Troy weight, 40 
Tulip-tree, 127 

bark, 127 
Turkey gum, 392 

opium, 53 

rhubarb, 260 
Turner's cerate, 156 
Turpentine, 303 

American, 303 

Bordeaux, 304 

Canada, 303, 304 

Chian, 304 

Venice, 304 

white, 303, 304 
Turpeth mineral, 335 

Ulcers, application of medicines to, 

48 
Ulmus, 396 

fulva, 396 
Unguenta, 39 
Unguentum, 39, 407 
acidi carbolici, 183 

tannici, 168 
antimonii, 223, 385 
aquae rosae, 179 
belladonna*, 69 
benzoini, 314 
cantharidis, 383 
creasoti, 181 
hydrargyri, 327 

ammoniati, 335 
iodidi rubri, 334 
nitratis, 336 
oxidi flavi, 329 
rubri, 329 
iodinii, 339 

iodinii compositum, 339 
mezerei, 284 
picis liquidae, 306 
plumbi carbonatis, 189 

iodidi, 188 
potassii iodidi, 341 
stramonii, 71 
sulphuris, 253 
iodidi, 340 
tabaci, 74 
veratriae, 219 
zinci oxidi, 156 
Ursin, 175 
Uva ursi, 175, 287 

Valerian, 108 
Valeriana, 108 

officinalis, 108 
Valerianate of ammonium, 108 

iron, 153 



Valerianate of quinia, 187 

zinc, 157 
Valerianic acid, 108 
Vallet's ferruginous pill, 146 
Vanilla, 211 

aromatica, 211 
Vapours, 31, 40 

Veins, injection of medicines into, 49 
Vegetable acids, 230 

astringents, 167 

tonics, 115, 116 
Venesection, 17 
Vera Cruz sarsaparilla, 281 
Veratralbia, 218 
Veratria, 219 
Veratroidia, 217 
Veratrum album, 218 

sabadilla, 219 

viride, 215 
Verdigris, 155 
Vermilion, 336 
Vesicants, 192, 373, 379 
Vesicating taffetas, 383 
Vienna paste, 387 
Vina, 36 
Vinegar, 230 

of bloodroot, 244 

lobelia, 76 

opium, 61 

squill, 289 
Vinegars, 31, 37 
Vinum, 194 

aloes, 264 

antimonii, 223 

colchici radicis, 292 
seminis, 292 

ergotae, 239 

ipecacuanhas, 243 

opii, 62 

Portense, 194 

rhei, 262 

tabaci, 74 

Xericum, 194 
Virgin scammony, 271 
Virginia snakeroot, 123 
Voltaic electricity, 26 
Volatile alkali, 196 

liniment, 376 

oils, 199 

Warming plaster, 378 
Warner's gout cordial, 261 
Washed sulphur, 252 
Water, 391 

avens. 143 

distilled, 391 

of ammonia, 196 

stronger, 195, 384 
Waters, medicated, 31, 34 



454 



INDEX. 



Wax, 408 

Weight? and measures, 40 
Wheat, cracked, 248 
Whisky, 195 
White arsenic, 347 
ginger, 2 03 
hellebore, 218 
lead, 1S9 ' 
mustard, 374 
oak, 173 
pepper, 201 
precipitate, 335 
vitriol, 155 
wax, 408 
Wild carrot, 296 
chamomile, 125 
cherry, 141 
valerian, 108 
Willow, 141 
Wine, 194 

of aloes, 264 

antimony, 223 
colchicum root, 292 

seed, 292 
ergot, 239 
ipecacuanha. 243 
measure, 41 

of opium, 62 
rhubarb, 262 
tobacco, 74 
white hellebore, 218 
Wineglass, 41 
Wines, 31, 36 
Wine-whey, 194 
Wintergreen, 176 
Wistar's cough lozenges, 59 
Wolfsbane, 79 
Woody nightshade, 84 
Woorali, 94 



Woorara, 94 
Woorari, 94 
AVormseed, 418 
Levant, 419 
Wormwood, 127 
Wort, 406 

Wounds, application of medicines to, 
48 

Xanthorrhiza, 122 
apiifolia, 122 

Yarrow, 129 
Yeast, 411 
Yellow bark, 130 

gentian, 118 

jasmine, 219 

lady's slipper, 109 

aside of mercury, 329 

pine, 303 

root, 122, 297 

sulphate of mercury, 335 

wash, 329 

wax, 408 
Young's scheme for doses, 42 

Zea mays, 406 

Zinc, preparations of, 155 

Zinci acetas, 156 

carbonas, prsecipitata, 156 

chloridum, 156, 388 

iodidum, 157 

oxidum, 156 

prseparata, 155 

sulphas, 155 

valerianas, 157 
Zingiber, 205 

officinale, 205 



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recent advances in Psychological Medicine, several chapters have been rewritten, bringing 
the Classification, Pathology, and Treatment of Insanity up to the present time. 

There are ten lithographic plates representing the handwriting of the insane and the 
morbid cerebral changes revealed by the microscope, assisted by wood-engravings indicating 
the classification of the convolutions of the brain. 

Thirty tracings of the pulse in various forms of insanity, made by the Sphygmograph, 
have also been added. 

BIDDLE *(john~b.), M. D., 

Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, &c. 

MATERIA MEDICA, FOR THE USE OF STUDENTS. With 
Illustrations. Sixth Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Price $4. 00 

This new and thoroughly revised edition of Professor Biddle's work has incorporated in 
it all the improvements as adopted by the New United States Pharmacopoeia just issued. It 
is designed to present the leading facts and principles usually comprised under this head as 
set forth by the standard authorities, and to fill a vacuum which seems to exist in the want 
of an elementary work on the subject. The larger works usually recommended as text-books 
in our Medical schools are too voluminous for convenient use. This will be found to contain, 
in a condensed form, all that is most valuable, and will supply students with a reliable guide 
to the course of lectures on Materia Medica as delivered at the various Medical schools in 
the United States. 

BYFORD (w^57a.M., M.D., 

Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children in the Chicago Medical Coiiesre, &c. 

PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY. Applied to the 

Diseases and Accidents incident to Women. Second Edition, Revised 
and Enlarged. Octavo. Price, cloth, $5.00; sheep . . $6.00 

This work treats well-nigh all the diseases incident to women, diseases and accidents of 
the vulva and perineum, stone in the bladder, inflammation of the vagina, menstruation and 
its disorders, the uterus and its ailments, ovarian tumors, diseases of the mamma?, puerperal 
convulsions, phlegmasia alba dolens, puerperal fever, &c. Its scope is thus of the most 
extended character, yet the observations are concise, but convey much practical information, 
— London Lancet. 

SAME AUTHOR. 

ON THE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION AND DISPLACEMENT 

OF THE UNIMPREGNATED UTERUS. A New, Enlarged, and 

Thoroughly Revised Edition, with Numerous Illustrations. Octavo. $3 

Dr. Byford writes the exact present state of medical knowledge on the subjects presented; 

and does this so clearly, so concisely, so truthfully, and so completely, that his book on the 

uterus will always meet the approval of the profession, and be everywhere regarded as a 

popular standard work. — Buffalo Medical and Surgical Journal. 



Chap. 1. On the Conditions that affect the 
Secretion of the Urine, with special 
reference to Suppression. 

" 2. Retention of Urine; its Varieties, 
Causes, and Treatment. 

" 3. Irritable Bladder, Strangury. 



10 
BLACK (d. Campbell), M. D., 

Li R, C. S. Edinburgh, Member of the General Council of the University of Glasgow, &c, &c. 

THE FUNCTIONAL DISEASES OF THE RENAL, URINARY, 

and Reproductive Organs, with a General View of Urinary Pathology. 
Price ........... $2.50 

CONTENTS. 

Chap. 4. On the Pathology and Treatment of 
Nocturnal Enuresis, and Spermatic 
Incontinence. 

" 5. Sterility in the Male. 

" 6. Male Impotence. 

" 7. Anomalous Urethral Discharges. 

The style of the author is clear, easy, and agreeable, . . . his work is a valuable contri- 
bution to medical science, and being penned in that disposition of unprejudiced philosophical 
inquiry which should always guide a true physician, admirably embodies the spirit of its 
opening quotation from Professor Huxley. — Philada. Med. Times. 



BEASLEY (henry). 

THE BOOK OF PRESCRIPTIONS. Containing over 3000 
Prescriptions, collected from the Practice of the most Eminent Physi- 
cians and Surgeons — English, French, and American; comprising also 
a Compendious History of the Materia Medica, Lists of the Doses of all 
Officinal and Established Preparations, and an Index of Diseases and 
their Remedies. Fourth Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Price, $2.50 

This new edition of Dr. Beasley's Prescription Book, although presented in a much more 
compact form and at a greatly reduced price, has been thoroughly revised, and an account 
of all the new medicines lately introduced, with the formulas of the new Pharmacopoeias 
added. Carefully selecting from the mass of materials at his disposal, the author has aimed 
to compile a volume sufficiently comprehensive, in which both physician and druggist, 
prescribe!- and compounder, may find under the head of each remedy the manner in which 
that remedy may be most effectively administered, or combined with other medicines in the 
treatment of disease. The alphabetical arrangement of the book renders this easy. A short 
description of each medicine is also given, and a list of the doses in which its several pre- 
parations may be prescribed. 

BY SAME AUTHOR. 

THE POCKET FORMULARY: A Synopsis of the British and 
Foreign Pharmacopoeias. Ninth Revised Edition. Price . $2.50 

THE DRUGGIST'S GENERAL RECEIPT BOOK and VETERI- 
NARY FORMULARY. Seventh Edition. Price. . . $3.50 

BRUNTON (t. lauder), M.D., D.Sc, 

Lecturer on Materia Medica in the Medical College of St. Bartholomew's Hospital. 

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ACTION OF 
MEDICINES: A Hand-Book of Practical Pharmacology, with Engrav- 
ings. Preparing. 

BRANSTON (thomas f.). 
HAND-BOOK OF PRACTICAL RECEIPTS. For the Chemist, 
Druggist, &c. ; with a Glossary of Medical and Chemical Terms. $1.50 

BEETON (mrs.). 
BOOK OF HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT. Colored and other 
Illustrations. 1100 pages. ....... #3.25 






II 
COHEN (i. solis), M.D. 

Lecturer en Laryngoscopy and Diseases of the Throat and Chest in Jefferson Medical College. 

ON INHALATION. ITS THERAPEUTICS AND PRACTICE. 

Including a Description of the Apparatus employed, &c. With Cases 
and Illustrations. Price ....... $2.50 

SAME AUTHOR. 
CROUP. In its Relations to Tracheotomy. Price . . #1.00 

CARSON (joseph), M.D., 

Professor of Materia Medica and Pharmacy in the University. 

A HISTORY OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF THE 
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, from its Foundation in 1765: 
with Sketches of Deceased Professors, &c. . . . . $2.00 

The history of the University of Pennsylvania has a national as well as a local interest, 
from the early date of its origination, and the connection with it of men of illustrious public 
reputation, such as Drs. Franklin, Rush, Physick, Gibson, Dewees, Chapman, Wood, &c, &c. 
For the labor and love which he has spent in preparing this most interesting and valuable 
work, Prof. Carson has earned the gratitude of the alumni of the University, and of all others 
interested in medical education in this country. — American Journal of Medical Science. 

CARPENTER (w. b.), M.D., F.R.S. 
THE MICROSCOPE AND ITS REVELATIONS. The Fifth 

London Edition, Revised and Enlarged, with more than 500 Illustra- 
tions. ....... . $5- 50 

SAME AUTHOR. 
PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY. The Seventh Revised 
and Enlarged Edition. With nearly 300 Illustrations on Steel and 
Wood. Edited by Mr. Henry Power. Octavo. . . $11.25 

CHAVASSE (p. henry), F.R.C.S., 

Author of Advice to a Wife, Advice to a Mother, &c, 

APHORISMS ON THE MENTAL CULTURE AND TRAIN- 
ING OF A CHILD, and on various other subjects relating to Health 
and Happiness. Addressed to Parents. Price . . . $1.50 

Dr. Chavasse's works have been very favorably received and had a large circulation, the 
value of his advice to WIVES and MOTHERS having thus been very generally recognized. 
This book is a sequel or companion to them, and it will be found both valuable and important 
to all who have the care of families, and who want to bring up their children to become useful 
men and women. It is full of fresh thoughts and .graceful illustrations. 

CLARKE (w.fairlie), M.D., 

Assistant Surgeon to Charing Cross Hospital. 

CLARKE'S TREATISE ON DISEASES OF THE TONGUE. 

With Lithographic and Wood-cut Illustrations. Octavo. Price $5.00 
It contains The Anatomy and Physiology of the Tongue, Importance of its Minute Exam- 
ination, Its Congenital Defects, Atrophy, Hypertrophy, Parasitic Diseases, Inflammation, 
Syphilis and its effects, Various Tumors to which it is subject, Accidents, Injuries, &c, &c. 

COOPER (s.). 

A DICTIONARY OF PRACTICAL SURGERY AND ENCY- 
CLOPAEDIA OF SURGICAL SCIENCE. New Edition, brought 
down to the present time. By Samuel A. Lane, F.R.C.S., assisted by 
other eminent Surgeons. In two vols., of over 1000 pages each. $15.00 



12 

CLAY (CHARLES), M. D. 

Fellow of the London Obstetrical Society, &c. 

THE COMPLETE HAND-BOOK OF OBSTETRIC SURGERY, 

or, Short Rules of Practice in Every Emergency, from the Simplest to 
the most Formidable Operations in the Practice of Surgery. First 
American from the Third London Edition. With numerous Illustra- 
tions. In one volume. $2.25 

CHAMBERS (thomas k.), M. D., 

LECTURES, CHIEFLY CLINICAL. Illustrative of a Restorative 
System of Medicine. 

CHEW (SAMUEL), M.D., 
Late Professor of the Practice of Medicine in the University of Maryland. 

MEDICAL EDUCATION. A Course of Lectures on the Proper 

Method of Studying Medicine $1.00 

This is a most excellent manual for the student, as well as a refreshing and suggestive one 
to the practitioner. — Lancet and Observer. 

COBBOLD (t. spencer), M.D., F.R.S. 

WORMS : a Series of Lectures delivered at the Middlesex Hospital 
on Practical Helminthology. Post Octavo. . . . . $2.00 

CLEAVELAND (c. h.), M.D., 

Member of the American Medical Association, &c. 

A PRONOUNCING MEDICAL LEXICON. Containing the Cor- 
rect Pronunciation and Definition of Terms used in Medicine and the 
Collateral Sciences. Improved Edition, Cloth, $1.25; Tucks, $1.50 
This work is not only a Lexicon of all the words in common use in Medicine, but it is 
also a Pronouncing Dictionary, a feature of great value to Medical Students. To the Dis- 
penser it will prove an excellent aid, and also to the Pharmaceutical Student. It has received 
strong commendation both from the Medical Press and from the profession. 

COLES (oakley), D..D.S. 

Dental Surgeon to the Hospital for Diseases of the Throat, &c. 

A MANUAL OF DENTAL MECHANICS. Containing much 
information of a Practical Nature for Practitioners and Students. 

INCLUDING 

The Preparation of the Mouth for Artificial Teeth, on Taking Impressions, Various 
Modes of Applying Heat in the Laboratory, Casting in Plaster of Paris and Metal, 
Precious Metals used in Dentistry, Making Gold Plates, Various Forms of Porcelain 
used in Mechanical Dentistry, Pivot Teeth, Choosing and Adjusting Mineral Teeth, the 
Vulcanite Base, the Celluloid Base, Treatment of Deformities of the Mouth, Eeceipts 
for Making Gold Plate and Solder, etc., etc. 
With 140 Illustrations. Price . . . . . $2.50 

SAME AUTHOR. 
ON DEFORMITIES OF THE MOUTH, CONGENITAL AND 

ACQUIRED, with their Mechanical Treatment. By James Oakley 
Coles, D. D. S., Member of the Odontological Society, etc., etc. 
Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. With Eight Colored Engrav- 
ings and Fifty-one Illustrations on Wood. Price . . $2.50 
The second edition of this work shows that the author has continued to devote himself 
with zeal to the investigation and treatment of a very interesting class of cases._ He has 
especially studied the congenital cleft palate, and has, with. the mirror, detected in several 
cases growths in the naso-pharyngeal tonsil. We recommend the work to the study of both 
surgeons and dentists. — London Lancet. 



13 
CLARK (f. le gros), F. R. S., 

Senior Surgeon to St. Thomas's Hospital, 

OUTLINES OF SURGERY AND SURGICAL PATHOLOGY, 

including the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obscure and Urgent Cases, 
and the Surgical Anatomy of some Important Structures and Regions. 
Assisted by W. W. Wagstaffe, F. R. C. S., Resident Assistant-Surgeon 
of, and Joint Lecturer on Anatomy at, St. Thomas's Hospital. Second 
Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Price .... $3.00 

This edition brings the work up to the highest level of our present knowledge, incorporat- 
ing all that is sound and recent in Physiology so far as it relates to subjects requiring its 
aid. It is not alone an admirable exposition of the principles of Surgery, but a trusty guide 
to the emergencies of Practice. We cannot too highly estimate the ability to condense and 
the results of a ripened experience furnished to us here in a readable and practical form. — 
Med. Times and Gazette. 

COOLEY (a. j..). 

CYCLOPEDIA OF PRACTICAL RECEIPTS. Containing Pro- 
cesses and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Profes- 
sions, and Trades, including Medicine, Pharmacy, and Domestic 
Economy; designed as a General Book of Reference for the Manufac- 
turer, Tradesman, Amateur, and Heads of Families. The Fifth Edi- 
tion, Revised and partly Rewritten by Richard V. Tuson, F.C.S., &c. 
Over 1000 royal-octavo pages, double columns. With Illustrations. 
Price . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 

Every part of this edition has been subjected to a thorough" and complete revision by the 
editor, assisted by other scientific gentlemen. In the chemical portion of the book, every 
subject of practical importance has been retained, corrected, and added to; to the name of 
every substance of established composition a formula has been attached ; while to the Phar- 
maceutist its value has been greatly increased by the additions which have been made from 
the British, Indian, and United States Pharmacopoeias. 

CAZEAUX (p.), M. D., 

Adjunct Professor of the Faculty of Medicine, Paris, etc. 
A THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TREATISE ON MIDWIFERY, 
including the Diseases of Pregnancy and Parturition. Translated from 
the Seventh French Edition, Revised, Greatly Enlarged, and Improved, 
by S. Tarnier, Clinical Chief of the Lying-in Hospital, Paris, etc., 
with numerous Lithographic and other Illustrations. Price, in Cloth, 
$6.50; in Leather, $7.50. 
M. Cazeaux's Great Work on Obstetrics has become classical in its character, and almost 
an Encyclopaedia in its fulness. Written expressly for the use of students of medicine, its 
teachings are plain and explicit, presenting a condensed summary of the leading principles 
established by the masters of the obstetric art, and such clear, practical directions for the 
management of the pregnant, parturient, and puerperal states, as have been sanctioned by 
the most authoritative practitioners, and confirmed by the author's own experience. 

DOBELL (horace), M. D., 

Senior Physician to the Hospital. 

WINTER COUGH (CATARRH, BRONCHITIS, EMPHYSEMA, 

ASTHMA). Lectures Delivered at the Royal Hospital for Diseases of the 
Chest. The Third Enlarged Edition, with Colored Plates. Octavo. 

Price $3.50 

This work has been thoroughly revised. Two new Lectures have been added — viz., 
Lecture IV., " On the Natural Course of Neglected Winter Cough, and on the Interdepen- 
dence of Winter Cough with other Diseases ; " Lecture IX., " On Change of Climate in Winter 
Cough." Also additional matter on Post-nasal Catarrh, Ear-Cough, Artificial Pespiration as 
a means of Treatment, Laryngoscopy, New Methods and Instruments in Treating of Emphy- 
sema, a good Index, and Colored Plates, with appended Diagnostic Physical signs. 



14 . 

DIXON (james), F.R.C.S., 

Surgeon to the Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital, &c, 

A GUIDE TO THE PRACTICAL STUDY OF DISEASES OF 

THE EVE, with an Outline of their Medical and Operative Treatment, 

with Test Types and Illustrations. Third Edition, thoroughly Revised, 

and a great portion Rewritten. Price . . . . . $2.50 

Mr. Dixon's book is essentially a practical one, written by an observant author, who brings 

to his special subject a sound knowledge of general Medicine and Surgery. — Dublin Quarto iy. 

DILLNBERGER (dr. emil). 

A HANDY-BOOK OF THE TREATMENT OF WOMEN AND 

CHILDREN'S DISEASES, according to the Vienna Medical School. 
Part I. The Diseases of Women. Part II. The Diseases of Children. 
Translated from the Second German Edition, by P. Nicol, M. D. 
Pi'ice £1.75 

Many practitioners will be glad to possess this little manual, which gives a large mass 
of practical hints on the treatment of diseases which probably make up the larger half oi 
every-day practice. The translation is well made, and explanations of reference to German 
medicinal preparations are given with proper fulness. — The Practitioner. 

DARLINGTON (william), M.D. 

FLORA CESTRICA; OR, HERBORIZING COMPANION. Con- 
taining all the Plants of the Middle States, their Linnaean Arrangement, 
a Glossary of Botanical Terms, a complete Index, &c. Third Edition. 
i2mo. ........... $2. 2s 



DUCHENNE (dr. g. b). 
LOCALIZED ELECTRIZATION AND ITS APPLICATION 
TO PATHOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. Translated by Her- 
bert Tibbits, M.D. With Ninety-two Illustrations. Price . $3.00 
Dnchenne's great work is not only a well-nigh exhaustive treatise on the medical uses of 
Electricity, but it is also an elaborate exposition of the different diseases in which Electric- 
ity has proved to be of value as a therapeutic and diagnostic agent. 

Part II., illustrated by chromo-lithographs and numerous wood-cuts, is preparing. 

DURKEE (silas), M.D., 

Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, &c. 

GONORRHOEA AND SYPHILIS. The Fifth Edition, Revised 
and Enlarged, with Portraits and Eight Colored Illustrations. Octavo. 

Price $5-°° 

Dr. Durkee's work impresses the reader in favor of the author by its general tone, the 
thorough honesty everywhere evinced, the skill with which the book is arranged, the man- 
ner in which the facts are cited, the clever way in which the author's experience is brought 
in, the lucidity of the reasoning, and the care' with which the therapeutics of venereal com- 
plaints are treated. — Lancet. 

DRUITT (robert), F.R.C.S. 
THE SURGEON'S VADE-MECUM. A Manual of Modern Sur- 
gery. The Tenth Revised and Enlarged Edition, with 350 Illustra- 
tions £5-°° 






15 
DALBY (w. b.), F.R. C.S., 

Aural Surgeon to St. George's Hospital. 

LECTURES ON THE DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE 
EAR. Delivered at St. George's Hospital. With Illustrations. 
Price ........... $1.50 

This admirable little volume by Mr. Dalby, the accomplished aural surgeon to St. George's 
Hospital, consists of eleven lectures delivered by him at that institution. With a modest 
aim, this work, the latest issued by the English press on Aural Surgery, is happy in concep- 
tion and pleasantly written ; further, it shows that its author is thoroughly au fait in his 
specialty. The subject of which the volume treats is handled in a terse style, and this, if 
we mistake not, will make it acceptable to the student and practitioner who have a just 
horror of unnecessary details. In conclusion, \v*e hope that we have succeeded in interesting 
our readers in the volume. We cordially recommend it as a trustworthy guide in the treat- 
ment of the affections of the ear. The book is moderate in price, beautifully illustrated by 
wood-cuts, and got up in the best style. — Glasgow Medical Journal. 

DUNGLISON (robley), M.D., 

Late Professor cf Institutes of Medicine, &c, in the Jefferson Medical College. 

A HISTORY OF MEDICINE, from the Earliest Ages to the Com- 
mencement of the Nineteenth Century.. Edited by his son, Richard 

J. DuNGLISON, M.D $2.50 

ELLIS (EDWARD), M.D. 

Physician to the Victoria Hospital for Sick Children, &c. 

A PRACTICAL MANUAL OF THE DISEASES OF CHIL- 
DREN, with a Formulary. Second Edition, Revised and Improved. 
One volume. ......... $2.75 

The author, in issuing this new edition of his book, says : "I have very carefully revise.] 
each chapter, adding several new sections, and making considerable additions where the 
subjects seemed to require fuller treatment, without, however, sacrificing conciseness or 
unduly increasing the bulk of the volume." 

EL AM (charles), M.D., F.R.C.P. 

ON CEREBRIA AND OTHER DISEASES OF THE BRAIN. 
Octavo $ 2>5 o 

FOTHERGILL (j. milner), M.D. 

THE HEART AND ITS DISEASES, AND THEIR TREAT- 
MENT. With Illustrations. Octavo. Price . . . $5.00 

DIGITALIS. Its Mode of Action and its Use, illustrating the 
Effect of Remedial Agents over Diseased Conditions of the Heart. 
Plice • H1.25 

FOX (tilbury), M. D., F. R. C. P. 

Physician to the Department for Skin Diseases in University College Hospital. 

ATLAS OF SKIN DISEASES. Consisting of a Series of Colored 
Illustrations, in Monthly Parts, together with Descriptive Text and 
Notes upon Treatment ; each Part containing Four Plates, reproduced 
by Chromo-Lithography from the work of Willan & Bateman, or taken 
from Original Sources. Part I. now ready. Price. . . $2.50 

*^ "Jut U Prospectuses furnis ed upon application. 



16 

FOX (joseph), D.D.S., 

Lecturer on the Structure and Diseases of the Teeth at Guy's Hospital. 

THE NATURAL HISTORY, DISEASES AND STRUCTURE 
OF THE HUMAN TEETH, with 250 Illustrations. Price . $4.00 

FOSTER (BALTHAZAR), M. D., 
Professor of Medicine in Queen's College. 

LECTURES AND ESSAYS ON CLINICAL MEDICINE. Re- 
vised and Enlarged by the Author. With Engravings. Octavo. 
Price $3-5o 

FRANKLAND (e.), M. D., F.-R. S„ &c. 

HOW TO TEACH CHEMISTRY, being the substance of Six 
Lectures to Science Teachers. Reported, with the Author's sanction, 
by G. George Chaloner, F. C. S., &c. With Illustrations . $1.25 

FENWICK (samuel), M.D., RR.C.P. 
THE MORBID STATES OF THE STOMACH AND DUO- 
DENUM, AND THEIR RELATIONS TO THE DISEASES OF 
OTHER ORGANS. With Ten Plates $5.00 

FLINT (austin), M.D., 

Professor of the Principles and Practice of Medicine, &c, Believue Hospital College, New York, 

CLINICAL REPORTS ON CONTINUED FEVER. Based on 
an Analysis of One Hundred and Sixty-four Cases, with Remarks on 
the Management of Continued Fever; the Identity of Typhus and 
Typhoid Fever; Diagnosis, &c, &c. Octavo. Price . . $2.00 

GANT (FREDERICK J.), F. R. C. S., 
Surgeon to the Royal Free Hospital, &c. 

THE IRRITABLE BLADDER. Its Causes and Curative Treat- 
ment ; including a Practical View of Urinary Pathology, Deposits, and 
Calculi. Third Edition, Revised and Enlarged. With New Illustra- 
tions. Price ......... $2.50 

The fact that a third edition of this book has been required, seems to be sufficient proof 
of its value. The author has carefully revised and added such additional matter as to make 
it more complete and practically useful. 

GODFREY (benjamin), M.D., F.R.A.S. 
THE DISEASES OF HAIR: a Popular Treatise upon the Affec- 
tions of the Hair System $ I -5 C 

GROSS (SAMUEL D.), M.D., 
Professor of Surgery in the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, &c. 

AMERICAN MEDICAL BIOGRAPHY OF THE NINETEENTH 
CENTURY. With a Portrait of Benjamin Rush, M.D. Octavo. $3.50 



17 
GREENHOW (e. headlam), M.D., 

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, &c. 

ON CHRONIC BRONCHITIS, Especially as Connected with Gout 
Emphysema, and Diseases of the Heart. Price . . . $2.00 
Of all works yet written on Chronic Bronchitis, this is undoubtedly the best. The style 
33 clear and to the point, and the principles of pathology and treatment eminently correct 
^nd practical. It is a positive addition to our medical literature. — Journal Psychological 
Medicine. 

HARLEY (george), M. D, F. R. C. P., 

Physician to University College Hospital, 

THE URINE AND ITS DERANGEMENTS: With the Applica- 
tion of Physiological Chemistry to the Diagnosis and Treatment of 
Constitutional as well as Local Diseases; being a Course of Lectures 
delivered at University College. With Engravings. Price $2.75 

CONTENTS. 



1 . What is Urine ? 

2. Changes in the Composition of the Urine, 

induced by Food, Drink, Medicine, and 
Disease. 

3. Urea, Ammonsemia, Ursemia. 

4. Uric Acid. 

o. Hippuric Acid, Chloride of Sodium. 

8. Urohsematin, Abnormal Pigments in Urine. 



7. Phosphoric Acid, Phosphatic Gravel and 

Calculi. 

8. Oxalic Acid, Oxaluria, Mulberry Calculi. 

9. Inosite in Urine, Creatin and Creatinine, 

Cholesterin, Cystin, Xanthin, Leuein, 
Tyrosin. 

10. Diabetes Mellitus. 

11. Albuminuria. 



On the whole, we have here a valuable addition to the library of the practising physician ; 
not only for the information which it contains, but also for the suggestive way in which 
many of the subjects are treated, as well as for the fact that it contains the ideas of one who 
thoroughly believes in the future capabilities of Therapeutics based on Physiological facts, 
and in the important service to be rendered by Chemistry to Physiological investigation. 

American Journal of the Medical Science. 

HABERSHON (s. o.), M. D., 

Physician to Guy's Hospital, &c. 

ON THE DISEASES OF THE LIVER. Their Pathology and 
Treatment. Being the Lettsonian Lectures, delivered at the Medical 
Society of London, 1872. Price $ 1 -5° 

These Lectures contain within a brief compass a large amount of information and many 
practical suggestions that cannot fail to be of great value to every practitioner. 

Dublin Medical Journal. 

HEWITT (graily), M. D., 

Physician to the British Lying-in Hospital, and Lecturer on Diseases of Women and Children, &c. 

THE DIAGNOSIS, PATHOLOGY, AND TREATMENT OF 

DISEASES OF WOMEN, including the Diagnosis of Pregnancy. 
Founded on a Course of Lectures delivered at St. Mary's Hospital 
Medical School. The Third Edition, Revised and Enlarged, with 
new Illustrations. Octavo. Price in Cloth . . . $5. 00 

" Leather . . * 6.00 

This new edition of Dr. Hewitt's book has been so much modified, that it may be considered 
substantially a new book ; very much of the matter has been entirely rewritten, and the whole 
work has been rearranged in such a manner as to present a most decided improvement over 
previous editions. ^ Dr. Hewitt is the leading clinical teacher on Diseases of Women in London, 
and the characteristic attention paid to Diagnosis by him has given his work great popularity 
there. It may unquestionably be considered the most valuable guide to correct Diagnosis to 
be found in the English language. o 



18 
HILLIER (thomas), M.D., 

Physician to the Hospital for Sick Children, &c. 

A CLINICAL TREATISE ON THE DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 
Octavo. Price ......... $3.00 

We have said enough to indicate and illustrate the excellence of Dr. Hillier's volume. It 
is eminently the kind of hook needed hy all medical men who wish to cultivate clinical 
accuracy and sound practice. — London Lancet. 

H OLDEN (luther), F.R.C.S. 

HUMAN OSTEOLOGY, comprising a Description of the Bones 

with Delineations of the Attachments of the Muscles, &c. With 
numerous Illustrations. Fifth Edition, carefully Revised. Price, $6.00 

HOLDEN'S MANUAL OF DISSECTIONS. Price . $5.00 
HARRIS (chapin a.), M. D., D. D. S. 

Late President of and Professor of the Principles and Practice of Dental Surgery in the Baltimore College, &c. 

THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY. Tenth 
Revised Edition. In great part rewritten, rearranged, and with many- 
new and important Illustrations. Including— 1. Dental Anatomy and 
Physiology. 2. Dental Pathology and Therapeutics. 3. Dental Sur- 
gery. 4. Dental Mechanics. Edited by P. H. Austen, M.D., Pro- 
fessor of Dental Science and Mechanism in the Baltimore College of 
Dental Surgery. With nearly 400 Illustrations, including many new 
ones made especially for this edition. Royal octavo. Price, in cloth, 
$6.50; in leather . . . . . . . . $7.50 

This new edition of Dr. Harris's work has been thoroughly revised in all its parts — more 
so than any previous edition. So great have been the advances in many branches of dentistry, 
that it was found necessary to rewrite the articles or subjects, and this has been done in the 
most efficient manner by Professor Austen, for many years an associate and friend of Dr. 
Harris, assisted by Professor Gorgas and Thomas S. Latimer, M. D. The publishers feel 
assured that it will now be found the most complete text-book for the student and guide for 
the practitioner in the English language. 

SAME AUTHOR. 
A DICTIONARY OF MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY, DENTAL 
SURGERY, AND THE COLLATERAL SCIENCES. Third Edition, 
Carefully Revised and Enlarged, by Ferdinand J. S. Gorgas, M. D., 
D.D.S., Professor of Dental Surgery in the Baltimore College, &c, &c. 
Royal octavo. Price, in cloth, $6.50; in leather . . $1-S° 

The many advances in Dental Science rendered it necessary that this edition should be 
thoroughly revised, which has been done in the most satisfactory manner by Professor Gorgas, 
Dr. Harris's successor in the Baltimore Dental College, he having added nearly three thou- 
sand new words, besides making many additions and corrections. The doses of the more 
prominent medicinal agents have also been added, and in every way the book has been greatly 
improved, and its value enhanced as a work of reference. 

HANDY (WASHINGTON R.),M.D. 
Late Professor of Anatomy, &c, in the Baltimore College. 

A TEXT-BOOK OF ANATOMY, AND GUIDE TO DISSEC- 
TIONS. For the Use of Students of Medicine and Dental Surgery. 
With 312 Illustrations. Octavo. Price . . . . $4.00 

Dr. Handy's work was prepared with special reference to the wants of the Student and 

Practitioner of Dental Surgery. Directing particular attention to the Mouth, it shows step 

by step the important Anatomical and Physiological relations which it has with each and 

all the organs and functions of the general system. 



19 

HARDWICH AND DAWSON. 
HARDWICH'S MANUAL OF PHOTOGRAPHIC CHEMISTRY. 

With Engravings. Eighth Edition. Edited and Rearranged by G. 
Dawson, Lecturer on Photography, &c, &c. i2mo. . . $2.00 

The object of the Editor has been to give practical instruction in this fascinating art, and 
to lead the novice from first principles to the higher branches, impressing him with the value 
of care and exactness in every operation. 

HEADLAND (f. w.), M.D., 

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, &c, &c. 

ON THE ACTION OF MEDICINES IN THE SYSTEM. Sixth- 
American from the Fourth London Edition. Revised and Enlarged. 
Octavo. Price ......... $3.00 

Dr. Headland's work gives the only scientific and satisfactory view of the action of medi- 
cine; and this not in the way of idle speculation, but by demonstration and experiments, 
and inferences almost as indisputable as demonstrations. It is truly a great scientific work 
in a small compass, and deserves to be the hand-book of every lover of the Profession. It 
has received the approbation of the Medical Press, both in this country and in Europe, and 
is pronounced by them to be the most original and practically useful work that has been 
issued for many years. 

HILLES (m. w.), 

Formerly Lecturer on Anatomy, &c,, at Westminster Hospital, 

THE POCKET ANATOMIST. Being a Complete Description of 
the Anatomy of the Human Body; for the Use of Students. Price, in 
cloth, $1.00; in Pocket-book form . . . . . $1.25 

HEATH (christopher), F.R.C.S., 

Surgeon to University College Hospital, &c. 

INJURIES AND DISEASES OF THE JAWS. The Jacksonian 
Prize Essay of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 1867. Sec- 
ond Edition, Revised, with over 150 Illustrations. Octavo. Price, 

$5-°° 

SAME AUTHOR. 

A MANUAL OF MINOR SURGERY AND BANDAGING, for 

the Use of House Surgeons, Dressers, and Junior Practitioners. With 

a Formulae and Numerous Illustrations. i6mo. Price . $2.00 

HAYDEN (thomas), M. D., 

Fellow of the King and Queen's College of Physicians, &c, &c. 

THE DISEASES OF THE HEART AND AORTA. With 81 
Illustrations. In two volumes, Octavo, of over 1 200 pages. Price, $8.00 

HUFELAND (c. w.), M.D. 

THE ART OF PROLONGING LIFE. Edited by Erasmus Wil- 
son, M. D., F. R.S., &c. i2mo. Cloth. ..... $1.25 

The highly practical character of Dr. Hufeland's book, the sound advice which it con- 
tains, and its elevated moral tone, recommend it for extensive circulation both among 
professional and non-professional readers. 



HEWSON (addinell,) M. D. 

Attending Surgeon Pennsylvania Hospital, &c. 

EARTH AS A TOPICAL APPLICATION IN SURGERY. 
Being a full Exposition of its use in all the Cases requiring Topical 
Applications admitted in the Surgical Wards of the Pennsylvania Hospi- 
tal during a period of Six Months. With Illustrations. Price $2.50 

HUTCHINSON (Jonathan), F. R. C. S. 

Senior Surgeon to the London Hospital, 

ILLUSTRATIONS OF CLINICAL SURGERY. Consisting of 

Plates, Photographs, Wood-cuts, Diagrams, etc., Illustrating Surgical 
Diseases, Symptoms and Accidents, also Operations and other Methods 
of Treatment. With Descriptive Letter-press. Part L now ready. 
Price . . . . . . . . . • . $2.50 

Prospectuses furnished upon application. 



HODGE (hugh l.), M. D. 

Emeritus Professor in the University of Pennsylvania! 

HODGE ON FOETICIDE, OR CRIMINAL ABORTION. 

Fourth Edition. Price, in paper covers, .... $0.30 

" flexible cloth, . . . .0.50 

This little book is intended to place in the hands of professional men and others the means 
of answering satisfactorily and intelligently any inquiries that may be made of them in con- 
nection with this important subject. 

HOLDEN (edgar), A. M., M. D., 

Of Newark, New Jersey. 
CONTAINING THREE HUNDRED ILLUSTRATIONS. 
THE SPHYGMOGRAPH. Its Physiological and Pathological In- 
dications. The Essay to which was awarded the Stevens Triennial 
Prize in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, April, 
1873. Illustrated by Three Hundred Engravings on Wood. One vol- 
ume octavo. Price. . . . . . . . . $3.00 

HOOD (p.), M.D. 

A TREATISE ON GOUT, RHEUMATISM, AND THE ALLIED 

AFFECTIONS. Crown octavo. $4.25 

HANCOCK (henry), F.R.C.S. 

ON THE OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE FOOT AND 
ANKLE. Numerous Illustrations. Octavo. , . . . $6.00 

JONES (T. WHARTON), F.R.S. 
DEFECTS OF SIGHT AND HEARING. Their Nature, Causes, 
Prevention, &c. Second Edition. Price . . . - $ 1.25 

JONES, SIEVEKING, and PAYNE. 

A MANUAL OF PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY. By C. Hand- 
field Jones, M. D., F. R. S., Physician to St. Mary's Hospital; and 
Edward H. Sieveking, M.D., F.R.C.P., Physician to St. Mary's Hos- 
pital. A New and Enlarged Edition. Edited by J. F. Payne, M.B., 
F.R.C.P., Assistant Physician and Lecturer on Morbid Anatomy at St. 
Thomas's Hospital. With Numerous Illustrations. . . $6.00 



21 
LAWSON (george), F.R.C.S., 

Surgeon to the Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital. 

DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE EYE, THEIR MEDICAL 
AND SURGICAL TREATMENT. Containing a Formulary, Test 
Types, and Numerous Illustrations. Price . . . . $2.50 

This Manual is admirably clear and eminently practical. The reader feels that he is in 
the hands of a teacher who has a right to speak with authority, and who, if he may be said 
to be positive, is so from the fulness of knowledge and experience, and who, while well ac- 
quainted with the writings and labors of othqr authorities on the matters he treats of, has 
himself practically worked out what he teaches. — London Medical Times and Gazette. 

LEBER & ROTTENSTEIN (drs.). 

DENTAL CARIES AND ITS CAUSES. An Investigation into 
the Influence of Fungi in the destruction of the Teeth, translated by 
Thomas H. Chandler, D.M.D., Professor of Mechanical Dentistry in 
the Dental School of Harvard University. With Illustrations. Octavo. 
Price #1.50 

This work is now considered the best and most elaborate work on Dental Caries. It is 
everywhere quoted and relied upon as authority by' the profession, who have seen it in the 
original, and by authors writing on the subject. 

LEGG (j. wickham), M. D. 

Member of the Royal College of Physicians, &c. 

A GUIDE TO THE EXAMINATION OF THE URINE. For 

the Practitioner and Student. Third Edition. i6mo. Cloth. Price, $0.75 

Dr. Legg's little manual has met with remarkable success; the speedy exhaustion of two 
editions has enabled the author to make certain emendations which add greatly to its value. 
It can confidently be commended to the student as a safe and reliable guide. 

LEARED (arthur), M.D., F.R.C.P. 
IMPERFECT DIGESTION: ITS CAUSES AND TREATMENT. 

The Fifth Edition, Revised and Enlarged $i-75 

LESCHER (f. harwood). 

THE ELEMENTS OF PHARMACY. For Students. The Fourth 
Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Octavo. . . . . $3.00 

LIEBREICH (dr.). 

ATLAS OF OPHTHALMOSCOPY: Representing the Normal and 
Pathological Conditions of the Fundus Oculi as seen with the Ophthal- 
moscope. Composed of Twelve Chromo-lithographic Plates (containing 
Fifty-nine Figures), accompanied by an Explanatory Text, translated 
into English. Second Edition, Enlarged and Revised. 4to. $15:00 

LIVEING (edward), M.D. 

ON MEGRIM, SICK-HEADACHE, AND SOME ALLIED 
DISORDERS. With Colored Plate. Octavo. . . . $6.00 



22 
LEWIN (dr. george). 

Professor at the Fr,-Wilh. University, and Surgeon-in-Chief of the Syphilitic Wards and Skin Diseases of 

the Charity Hospital, Berlin, 

THE TREATMENT OF SYPHILIS by Subcutaneous Sublimate 
Injections. With a Lithographic Plate illustrating the Mode and Proper 
Place of administering the Injections, and of the Syringe used for the 
purpose. Translated by Carl Prcegler, M.D., late Surgeon in the 
Prussian Service, and E. H. Gale, M.D., late Surgeon in the United 

States Army. Price $2.25 

The great number of cases treated, some fourteen hundred, within a period of four years, 
in the wards of the Charity Hospital, Berlin, only twenty of which were returned on 
account of Syphilitic relapses, certainly entitles the method of treatment advocated by this 
distinguished svphilographer to the attention of all physicians under whose notice syphilitic 
cases come. 

LIZARS (john), M.D. 

Late Professor of Surgery in the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. 

THE USE AND ABUSE OF TOBACCO. From the Eighth 
Edinburgh Edition. 121T10. Price, in flexible cloth, . $0.60 

This little work contains a History of the introduction of Tobacco, its general characteris- 
tics ; practical observations upon its effects on the system ; the opinion of celebrated profes- 
sional men in regard to it, together with cases illustrating its deleterious influence, &c, &c. 

MACNAMARA (a). 

Surgeon to the Ophthalmic Hospital, and Professor of Ophthalmic Medicine in the Medical College, Calcutta. 

MANUAL OF THE DISEASES OF THE EYE. The Second 
Edition, carefully Revised; with Additions, and numerous Colored 
Plates, Diagrams of the Eye, many Illustrations on Wood, Snellen's 

Test Types, &c, &c. Price $5-°° 

" This work when first published took its place in medical literature as the most complete, 
condensed, and well-arranged manual on ophthalmic surgery in the English language. 
Arranged especially for medical students, it became, however, the work of reference for the 
busy practitioner, who could obtain nearly all that was best worth knowing on this subject, 
tersely stated, and easily found by the aid of the excellent marginal notes on the contents 
of the paragraphs." — Philadelphia Medical Times. 

MACKENZIE (morell), M. D. 

Physician to the Hospital for Diseases of the Throat, London, &c, 

GROWTHS IN THE LARYNX. Their History, Causes, Symp- 
toms, Diagnosis, Pathology, Prognosis, and Treatment. With Reports 
and Analysis of One Hundred Consecutive Cases treated by the Author ; 
and a Tabular Statement of every published case treated since the in- 
vention of the Laryngoscope. With numerous Colored and other 
Illustrations. Octavo. Price ...... $3. 00 

Dr. Mackenzie's position has given him great advantages and a large experience in the 

treatment of Diseases of the Throat, and for many years he has been regarded as a leading 

authority in this department of Surgery. The Illustrations have been prepared with great 

care and* expense. 

OTHER WORKS BY SAME AUTHOR. 

THE LARYNGOSCOPE IN DISEASES OF THE THROAT. 

With an Appendix on Rhinoscopy, and an Essay on Hoarseness and 

Loss of Voice. With Additions by J. Solis Cohen, and Numerous 

Illustrations on Wood and Stone. Price . . . . $3-°° 

PHARMACOPOEIA OF THE HOSPITAL for Diseases of the 
Throat; with One Hundred and Fifty Formulae for Gargles, &c, &c. 
Price ........... $1.25 

9 



23 

MEIGS and PEPPER. 

A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE DISEASES OF CHIL- 
DREN. By J. Forsyth Meigs, M.D., Fellow of the College of Physi- 
cians of Philadelphia, &c, &c, and William Pepper, M.D., Physician 
"to the Philadelphia Hospital, &c. Fifth Edition, thoroughly Revised 
and greatly Enlarged, forming a Royal Octavo Volume of* over iooo 
pages. Price, bound in cloth, $6.00; leather . . . $7.00 

It is the most complete work on the subject in our language. It contains at once the re- 
sults of personal, and the experience of others. Its quotations from the most recent author- 
ities, at home and abroad, are ample, and we think the authors deserve congratulations for 
having produced a book unequalled for the use of the student and indispensable as a work 
of reference for the practitioner. — American Medical Journal. 

MURPHY (john g.), M.D. 
A REVIEW OF CHEMISTRY FOR STUDENTS. Adapted to 
the Courses as Taught in the Principal Medical Schools in the United 
States. . . . . . . . . . . $1.25 

MENDENHALL (george), M.D., 

Professor of Obstetrics in the Medical College of Ohio, &c. 

MEDICAL STUDENT'S VADE MECUM. A Compendium of 
Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, the Practice of Medicine, Surgery, 
Obstetrics, Diseases of the Skin, Materia Medica, Pharmacy, Poisons, 
&c, &c. Eleventh Edition, Revised and Enlarged, with 224 Illustra- 
tions. . . . . . . . ... " . $2.50 

MAXSON (edwin r.), M.D., 

Formerly Lecturer on the Practice of Medicine in the Geneva Medical College, &c. 

THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE $4.00 

MARSHALL (john), F.R.S., 

Professor of Surgery, University College, London. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL DIAGRAMS. Life-size, and Beautifully Col- 
ored. An Entirely New Edition, Revised and Improved, illustrating 
the whole Human Body, each Map printed on a single sheet of paper, 
seven feet long and three feet nine inches broad. 



No. 7. The Brain and Nerves. 

No. 8. The Organs of the Senses and Organs 

of the Voice. Plate 1. 
No. 9. The Organs of the Senses. Plate 2. 
No. 10. The Microscopic Structure of the 

Textures. Plate 1. 
No. 11. The Microscopic Structure of the 

Textures. Plate 2. 



No. 1. The Skeleton and Ligaments. 

No. 2. The Muscles, Joints, and Animal Me- 
chanics. 

No. 3. The Viscera in Position. — The Struc- 
ture of the Lungs. 

No. 4. The Organs of Circulation. 

No. 5. The Lymphatics or Absorbents. 

No. 6. The Digestive Organs. 

Price of the Set, Eleven Maps, in Sheets, ..... $50.00 
" " " " handsomely Mounted on 

Canvas, with Rollers, and varnished, ..... $80.00 

An Explanatory Key to the Diagram. Price . . . . 50 

SAME AUTHOR. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE HUMAN BODY. Its Structure and 
Functions. Illustrated by Physiological Diagrams, E)esigned for the 
Use of Teachers in Schools, Students of Medicine, &c. New Edition. 
A Quarto Volume of Text and a Folio Volume containing 193 Colored 
Illustrations. Price . . . . . . . . $10.00 



24 

MAUNDER (c. f.), F.R.C.S. 

Surgeon to the London Hospital; formerly Demonstrator of Anatomy at Guy's Hospital, 

OPERATIVE SURGERY. Second Edition, with One Hundred 
and Sixty-four Engravings on Wood. Price . . . $2.50 

MAYNE (r. g.), M. D., and MAYNE (j.), M. D. 
MEDICAL VOCABULARY: An Explanation of all Names, 

Synonyms, Terms, and Phrases used in Medicine and the Relative 
Branches of Medical Science, giving their correct Derivation, Meaning, 
Application, and Pronunciation. Intended especially as a book of 
reference for Physicians and Students. Fourth Edition, Revised and 
Enlarged. Post 8vo. 450 pages. Price . . . . $3. 00 

MARTIN (john h.). 

Author of Microscopic Objects, &c, 

A MANUAL OF MICROSCOPIC MOUNTING. With Notes on 
the Collection and Examination of Objects, and upwards of One Hun- 
dred Illustrations on Stone and Wood, drawn by the Author. 
Price ........... $3.00 

" This book is more- than its title indicates. It gives a description of the apparatus neces- 
sary for microscopical research, as well as the methods of preparation and preserving the 
various objects. It is a complete and well-illustrated work on its subject, which is daily- 
becoming more valuable to the scientist and more cultivated as an elegant and interesting 
study." — Scientific American. 

MEADOWS (Alfred), M. D. 

Physician to the Hospital for Women, and to the General Lying-in Hospital, &c. 

MANUAL OF MIDWIFERY. A New Text-Book. Including the 
Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy, Obstetric Operations, Diseases of 
the Puerperal State, &c, &c. Second American from the Third Lon- 
don Edition. With numerous Illustrations. Nearly ready. 

This book is especially valuable to the Student as containing in a condensed form a large 
amount of valuable information on the subject which it treats. It is also clear and methodi- 
cal in its arrangement, and therefore useful as a work of reference for the practitioner. The 
Illustrations are numerous and well executed. 

MILLER (james), F. R. C. S. 

Professor of Surgery University of Edinburgh. 

ALCOHOL, ITS PLACE AND POWER. From the Nineteenth 

Glasgow Edition. i2mo. Cloth flexible. Price . . . $0.75 

Tli is Avork was prepared by Professor Miller at the special request of the Scottish Temper- 
ance League, who were anxious to have a work of high authority, presenting the medical 
view of the subject that could be freely disseminated among all classes. 



MILLER and LIZARS. 

ALCOHOL: Its Place and Power. By James Miller, F.R.S.E., late 
Professor of Surgery in the University of Edinburgh, &c. — THE USE 
AND ABUSE OF TOBACCO. By John Lizars, late Professor to the 
Royal College of Surgeons, &c. The Two Essays in One Volume. 
i2mo. . . . . . . . . . #1.00 



25 

MARSDEN (ALEXANDER), M. D. 

A NEW AND SUCCESSFUL MODE OF TREATING CERTAIN 
FORMS OF CANCER. Second Edition, Colored Plates. $3.50 

NORRIS (GEORGE w.), M.D. 

Late Surgeon to the Pennsylvania Hospital, &c. 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRACTICAL SURGERY, including 
numerous Clinical Histories, Drawn from a Hospital Service of Thirty 
Years. In one volume, Octavo. Price . . . . . $4.00 

OTT (adolph), 

Practical and Analytical Chemist. 

ON SOAPS AND CANDLES. Including the Most Recent Dis- 
coveries in the Manufacture of all kinds of Ordinary Hard, Soft, and 
Toilet Soaps, and Tallow and Composite Candles. With Illustrations. 
Price ........... $2.50 

OVERMAN (FREDERICK), 

Mining Engineer, &c, 

PRACTICAL MINERALOGY, ASSAYING AND MINING. 
With a Description of' the Useful Minerals, and Instructions for Assay- 
ing, according to the Simplest Methods. . . . . $1.25 

PHYSICIAN'S VISITING LIST, PUBLISHED ANNUALLY. 

SIZES AND PRICES. 

For 25 Patients weekly. Tucks, pockets, and pencil, . . . $1.00 

50 " " " " " . . . 1.25 

75 " " " " " . . . ' 1.50 

100 " " " " "...'. 2.00 

tt cc 1 f J an - to June ) tt n H ^ 

5° 2 vols - J July to Dec. j • • • 2.50 

tt cc 1 f Jan. to June) ie 

2 vols - { July to Dec. } " • • • 3-°° 

INTERLEAVED EDITION. 

For 25 Patients weekly, interleaved, tucks, pockets, &c, . . 1.50 
50 " • " "' " " . " . 1.75 



tt if J an - tO J une "I a 

5° " 2vols -{julytoDec.j 



3 



00 



This Visiting List has now been published Twenty-four Years, and has met with such uni- 
form and hearty approval from the Profession, that the demand for it has steadily increased 
from year to year. 

POWER, HOLMES, ANSTIE, and BARNES. 

REPORTS ON THE PROGRESS OF MEDICINE AND SUR- 
GERY, PHYSIOLOGY, OPHTHALMIC MEDICINE. MID- 
WIFERY, DISEASES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN, MATERIA 
MEDICA, &c. Edited for the Sydenham Society of London. Octavo. 
Price . . . . #2.00 



26 

PARKES (EDWARD A.), M. D., 
Professor of Military Hygiene in the Army Medical School, &c. 

A MANUAL OF PRACTICAL HYGIENE. The Fourth Revised 
and Enlarged Edition, for Medical Officers of the Army, Civil Medical 
Officers, Boards of Health, &c, &c. With many Illustrations. One 
volume Octavo. Price ....... $6.00 

This work, previously unrivalled as a text-book for medical officers of the army, is now 
equally unrivalled as a text-book for civil medical officers. The first book treats in succes- 
sive chapters of water, air, ventilation, examination of air, food, quality, choice, and cooking 
of food, beverages, and condiments; soil, habitations, removal of excreta, warming of houses, 
exercise, clothing, climate, meteorology, individual hygienic management, disposal of the 
dead, the prevention of some common diseases, disinfection, and statistics. The second 
book is devoted to the service of the soldier, but is hardly less instructive to tbe civil officer 
of health. It is, in short, a comprehensive and trustworthy text-book of hygiene for the 
scientific or general reader. — London Lancet. 

POWER (henry), M.B., F.R.C.S., 

Senior Ophthalmic Surgeon to St. Bartholomew's Hospital. 

THE STUDENT'S GUIDE TO THE DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

With Engravings. Preparing. 

PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL REPORTS. 

EDITED BY A COMMITTEE OF THE HOSPITAL STAFF. 

J. M. Da Costa, M.D., and William Hunt, M.D. Vols. 1 and 2 ; each 
volume containing upwards of Twenty Original Articles, by former 
and present Members of the Staff, now eminent in the Profession, with 
Lithographic and other Illustrations. Price per volume . $4.00 

The first Reports were so favorably received, on both sides of the Atlantic, that it is hardly 
necessary to speak for them the universal welcome of which they are deserving. The papers 
are all valuable contributions to the literature of medicine, reflecting great credit upon their 
authors. The work is one of which the Pennsylvania Hospital may well be proud. It will 
do much towards elevating the profession of this country. — American Journal of Obstetrics. 

PAGET (James), F.R.S., 

Surgeon to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, &c, 

SURGICAL PATHOLOGY. Lectures delivered at the Royal Col- 
lege of Surgeons of England. Third London Edition, Edited and 
Revised by William Turner, M. D. With Numerous Illustrations. 
Price, in cloth, $7.50; in leather ...... $8.50 

A new and revised edition of Mr. Paget's Classical Lectures needs no introduction to our 
readers. Commendation would be as .superfluous as criticism out of place. Every page bears 
evidence that this edition has been " carefully revised." — American Medical Journal. 

PEREIRA (Jonathan), M.D., F.R.S., &c. 
PHYSICIAN'S PRESCRIPTION BOOK. Containing Lists of 
Terms, Phrases, Contractions, and Abbreviations used in Prescriptions, 
with Explanatory Notes, the Grammatical Constructions of Prescrip- 
tions, Rules for the Pronunciation of Pharmaceutical Terms, a Proso- 
diacal Vocabulary of the Names of Drugs, &c, and a Series of Abbre- 
viated Prescriptions illustrating the use of the preceding terms, &c. ; to 
which is added a Key, containing the Prescriptions in an unabbreviated 
Form, with a Literal Translation, intended for the use of Medical and 
Pharmaceutical Students. From the Fifteenth London Edition. Price, 
in cloth, $1.25; in leather, with Tucks and Pocket, . $1.50 



27 

PROCTOR (BARNARD S.). 

PRACTICAL PHARMACY. A Course of Lectures comprising 

Descriptions of General Processes, Lessons in Dispensing, Pharraaco- 

pceial Testing, Qualitative and Quantitative, &c. With Illustrations. 

Octavo. Price . . . . . . . . ., $5.00 

PARKER (langston), F.R.C.S.L. 

THE MODERN TREATMENT OF SYPHILITIC DISEASES. 
Containing the Treatment of Constitutional and Confirmed Syphilis, 
with numerous Cases, Formulae, &c, &c. Fifth Edition, Enlarged. $4. 25 

PRINCE (david), M.D. 
PLASTIC AND ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY. Containing- 1. A 
Report on the Condition of, and Advances made in, Plastic and Ortho- 
pedic Surgery up to the Year 187 1. 2. A New Classification and Brief 
Exposition of Plastic Surgery. With numerous Illustrations. 3. Ortho- 
pedics : A Systematic Work upon the Prevention and Cure of Deformities. 
With numerous Illustrations. Octavo. Price . . . $4.50 

This is a good book upon an important practical subject; carefully written, and abun- 
dantly illustrated. It goes over the whole ground of deformities — from ' clefVpalate and 
club-foot to spinal curvatures and ununited fractures. It appears, moreover, to be an original 
book. — Medical and Surgical Reporter. 

SAME AUTHOR. 
GALVANO-THERAPEUTICS. A Revised reprint of A Report 
made to the Illinois State Medical Society. With Illustrations. Price, 

$1.25 

PIESSE (g. w. septimus), 

Analytical Chemist. 

WHOLE ART OF PERFUMERY. And the Methods of Obtaining 
the Odors of Plants ; the Manufacture of Perfumes for the Handkerchief, 
Scented Powders, Odorous Vinegars, Dentifrices, Pomatums, Cosmet- 
ics, Perfumed Soaps, &c. ; the Preparation of Artificial Fruit Essences, 
&c. Second American from the Third London Edition. With Illus- 
trations. .......... $3.00 

PIGGOTT (a. snowden), M. D., 

Practical Chemist, 

COPPER MINING AND COPPER ORE. Containing a full Descrip- 
tion of some of the Principal Copper Mines of the United States, the Art 
of Mining, the Mode of Preparing the Ore for Market, &c, &c. #1.50 

PAVY (f. w.), M. D., F. R. S. 

DIABETES. Researches on its Nature and Treatment. Third Re- 
vised Edition. Octavo ....... 

PHYSICIAN'S PRESCRIPTION BLANKS, with a Margin for 

Duplicates, Notes, Cases, &c, &c. Price, per package, 

Price, per dozen 



28 
RINDFLEISCH (dr. edward). 

Professor of Pathological Anatomy, University of Bonn. 

TEXT-BOOK OF PATHOLOGICAL HISTOLOGY. An Intro* 

duction to the Study of Pathological Anatomy. Translated from the 
German, by Wm. C. Kloman, M.D., assisted by F. T. Miles, M.D., 
Professor of Anatomy, University of Maryland, &c, &c. Containing 
Two Hundred and Eight elaborately executed Microscopical Illustra- 
tions. Octavo. Price, bound in Cloth, .... $6.00 
" " Leather, . . . .7.00 

This is now confessedly the leading book, and the only complete one on the subject in 
the English language. The London Lancet says of it: " Bindfleisch's work forms a mine 
Which no pathological writer or student can afford to neglect, who desires to interpret aright 
pathological structural changes, and his book is consequently well known to readers of Ger- 
man medical literature. What makes it especially valuable is the fact that it was originated, 
as its author himself tells us, more at the microscope than at the writing-table. Altogether 
the book is the result of honest hard labor. It is admirably as well as profusely illustrated, 
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11 



29 

RADCLIFFE (charles bland), M.D., 

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LECTURES ON EPILEPSY, PAIN, PARALYSIS, and other 
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ROBERTSON (a.), M.D., D.D.S. 

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THE STUDENT'S GUIDE TO THE PRACTICE OF MID- 
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.°>o 

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THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF LARYNGOSCOPY 

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31 

STILLE (ALFRED), M.D., 

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A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE DISEASES OF THE 
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32 

SWERINGEN (hiram v.). 

Member American Pharmaceutical Association, &c. 

PHARMACEUTICAL LEXICON. A Dictionary of Pharmaceu- 
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Consulting Physician to the Samaritan Free Hospital, London. 

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Physician to the East London Hospital for Diseases of Children, &c. 

CLINICAL STUDIES OF DISEASES IN CHILDREN. 

Preparing. 



33' 

TANNER (thomas hawkes), M.D., F.R.C.P., &c. 
THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.' Sixth American from the last 
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A MEMORANDA OF POISONS. A New and much Enlarged 
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For the use of Physicians and Students. With a Colored Plate and 
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TAFT (JONATHAN), D.D.S., 
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A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON OPERATIVE DENTISTRY. 

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6 



34 

TROUSSEAU (a.), 

Professor of Clinical Medicine to the Faculty of Medicine, Paris, &c. 

LECTURES ON CLINICAL MEDICINE. Delivered at the HStel 
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TILT (edward john), M.D. 

THE CHANGE OF LIFE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. A 
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Women at the Decline of Life. From the Third London Edition. 
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TOYNBEE (j.), F.R.S. 

ON DISEASES OF THE EAR. Their Nature, Diagnosis, and 
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FIinton, Aural Surgeon to Guy's Hospital; &c. And numerous Illus- 
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THOMPSON (sir henry), F.R.C.S., &c. 

ON THE PREVENTIVE TREATMENT OF CALCULOUS 

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CLINICAL LECTURES IN DISEASES OF THE URINARY 

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THE STUDENT'S GUIDE TO MATERIA MEDICA. With 
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TYLER SMITH (w.), M.D., 

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ON OBSTETRICS. A Course of Lectures. Edited by A. K. 
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35 
THOROWGOOD (j. a), M. D. 

Physician to the City of London Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, and to the West London Hospital, &c, 

NOTES ON ASTHMA. Its various Forms, their Nature and 
Treatment, including Hay Asthma, with an Appendix of Formulae, &c. 
Second Edition. Price . . . . . . . $1.75 



TOMES (john), F.R.S. 

Late Dental Surgeon to the Middlesex and Dental Hospitals, &c, 

A SYSTEM OF DENTAL SURGERY. The Second Revised and 
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Anatomy and Physiology, and Assistant Dental Surgeon to the Dental 
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TOMES (c. s.), B.A. 

Lecturer on Anatomy and Physiology, and Assistant Surgeon to the Dental Hospital of London. 

A MANUAL OF DENTAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY^ 

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TROUSSEAU (a.), M.D. 

Professor of Clinical Medicine to the Faculty of Medicine, Paris) Physician to the Hotel Dieu, &c, be, 

LECTURES ON CLINICAL MEDICINE. Delivered at the Hotel 
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Price of Vols. 1, 2, and 3, each, $5-°° 

" 4 and 5 " . . . . 400 

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. Medical Superintendent of the National Hospital for the Paralyzed and Epileptic, &c, 

A HANDBOOK OF MEDICAL ELECTRICITY. With Sixty- 
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The author of this volume is the translator of Duchenne's great work on "Localized Elec- 
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only when, but in explicit and full detail, how to use Electricity in the treatment of 
disease, and to make the practitioner as much at home in the use of his electrical as his 
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36 
VIRCHOW (rudolphe), 

Professor, University of Berlin, 

CELLULAR PATHOLOGY. Translated from the Second Edition, 
with Notes and Emendations, by Frank Chance, B.A., MA., 144 
Illustrations. . . . . . . . . . $5.00 



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THE PATHOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS OF MENTAL 
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WARING (edward john), F.R.C.S., F.L.S., &c, &c. 

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THE PHYSICIAN'S POCKET, DOSE, AND SYMPTOM BOOK. 

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LECTURES ON PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY. By Samuel 
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WILSON (erasmus), F.R.S. 

HEALTHY SKIN. A Popular Treatise on the Skin and Hair, their 
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37 
WILSON (george), M. A., M. D. 

Medical Officer to the Convict Prison at Portsmouth, 

A HANDBOOK OF HYGIENE AND SANITARY SCIENCE. 

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WARD (Stephen h.), M.D., F. R. C. P. 

Physician to the Seaman's Hospital', &c, &c. 

ON SOME AFFECTIONS OF THE LIVER and Intestinal Canal; 

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CONTAINING THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-ONE ILLUSTRATIONS. 

THE ANATOMIST'S VADE MECUM. A Complete System of 
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WEDL (carl), M. D. 

Professor of Histology, &c, In the University of Vienna,. 

DENTAL PATHOLOGY. The Pathology of the Teeth. With 
Special Reference to their Anatomy and Physiology. First American 
Edition, translated by W. E. Boardman, M.D., with Notes by Thos. 
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This work exhibits laborious research and medical culture of no ordinary character. It 
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very valuable material left by the late Dr. Heider, Professor of Dental Pathology in the Uni- 
versity of Vienna, the result of the life-long work of this eminent man. 



WOODMAN and TIDY. 

A HANDY-BOOK OF FORENSIC MEDICINE AND TOXI- 
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Physician and Lecturer on Physiology at the London Hospital; and C. 
Meymott Tidy, M.A., M.B., Lecturer on Chemistry, and Professor of 
Medical Jurisprudence and Public Health, at the London Hospital. 
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WELLS (j. scelberg), 

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WALTON (haynes), 

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A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON DISEASES OF THE EYE, 
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INTERMARRIAGE; or, the Mode in which, and the Causes why, 
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